EVALUATION OF THE PRECEPTOR MODEL OF TRAINING FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS

Aim
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preceptor model of clinical training for the physiotherapy students across five levels of clinical practice throughout the BSc. PT curriculum at the University of Sharjah.

Methods
Responses from 222 physiotherapy students undergoing five levels of clinical practice were collected by means of a preceptor evaluation form. This consists of 7 questions rated numerically on a (0-5, 0 being the lowest and 5 being the highest score) scale and an overall preceptor evaluation score (0-10, 0 being poor and 10 being excellent)

Results
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) among the five groups in any of the questions on the preceptor evaluation form. Of the 222 responses obtained, approximately 55% of the students indicated that their preceptors discuss objectives and expectations of clinical practice with them. 62% of the students felt that their preceptors accept their approach to learning. Approximately 57% thought that their preceptor acts as a professional role model. 50% reported that their preceptor evaluated them fairly based on course objectives and assisted them in identifying their strengths and limitations. 61% of the students rated their preceptors as more than good and excellent (score 9 & 10).

Conclusion
The above results highlight that the preceptor model of clinical teaching, independent of the level of students is fairly successful and provides a constructive learning model for the students. More efforts must be directed towards preceptor training by the university to ensure better clinical education outcomes.