Preparedness of Pharmacy Students and Preceptors for Work Integrated Learning in an Undergraduate Pharmacy Program

AbstractBackground: Work Integrated Learning is a fundamental part of many undergraduateprograms. Its success can rely heavily on student and preceptors’ preparedness to undergo and host placements.Aim: This study aimed to characterise the perceived level of preparedness of a sample of students and preceptors involved in placements within the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) degree at the University of Queensland.Methods: Students and preceptors completed an anonymous, online survey designed to access their preparedness for placements in terms of their communication skills (both), outlook to learn (students only), outlook to teach (preceptors only), emotional readiness (both), physical and practical readiness (students only) and time availability (preceptors only).Results: Forty-five students and eighty-three preceptors completed the survey. Students were less prepared to deal with patients that exhibited extreme behaviours (e.g., unreasonable, loud, abusive) or had different medical belief systems and were less likely to have considered the physicality of a placement in terms of standing and performing tasks for long periods. Preceptors were less prepared to manage their own workload at the same time they supervised students and were generally supportive of completing pre-placement educational activities to aid in their preparation.Conclusion: Study findings if acted on could help better prepare future students andpreceptors for placements.