Strategies and resources for successful preceptor development

Designing and implementing an effective preceptor development plan can be a challenge for many pharmacy residency program directors (RPDs) and preceptors. According to data reported by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Commission on Credentialing in August 2010, 81% of the postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) and 54% of the postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) pharmacy residency programs surveyed were cited for not having adequate preceptor development.1 In addition, 100% of the PGY1 and 54% of the PGY2 residency programs surveyed were considered only partially compliant because “preceptors have not made adequate contributions to the total body of pharmacy knowledge”; this area, which relates to the skills and qualifications required to be a pharmacy residency preceptor, is categorized as a critical factor by the ASHP Commission on Credentialing and can affect the length of accreditation for both PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residency programs. The purpose of this article is to provide RPDs and preceptors with a systematic process to design a preceptor development plan that will be relevant and valuable to their program.