Pharmacy preceptors’ knowledge, perceptions, and experiences with interprofessional education and practice

Background: This study explores the knowledge, perceptions, practices, and teaching of interprofessional collaborative practice by pharmacists currently precepting pharmacy students. Information was sought from pharmacist preceptors for Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences. Methods: Key informant interviews were conducted using a 20-question semi-structured script. The Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Core Competencies: 2023 Update was used as a theoretical framework. First and second-level qualitative coding were performed on the key informant interview transcripts. Results: Pharmacy preceptors indicate a strong understanding and regular participation in collaborative patient care but are less familiar with the definition of IPE, where students interact with learners of different professions. Time and responsibility burdens were additional barriers impacting their ability to provide interprofessional learning experiences, but their job satisfaction, patient outcomes, and work-life balance were improved by these daily working relationships. Conclusion: Pharmacy preceptors in this study strongly support interprofessional education and practice and believe in its importance for patient outcomes and overall provider satisfaction, although not all seem to be applying these practices to their student experiences. The results of this study indicate a need for additional resources to maximise interprofessional student learning opportunities in experiential education.