Allied health professional (AHP) perspectives on the role of the preceptor within preceptorship programmes: role understanding, development needs, and factors affecting role implementation into the national health service (NHS)

A fundamental element of preceptorship programmes is the allocation of a named preceptor to each preceptee and the formation of a partnership. Although the role of preceptors in helping preceptees transition into the workforce is recognised, there is variation in role implementation; staff preparation and support and understanding of the impact this role has on overall programme effectiveness. Due to a lack of literature in this area, this work sought to capture the barriers and enablers for effective operationalising of the preceptor role within NHS-based preceptorship programmes. As part of a larger mixed-methods study, consultation with AHPs working within 5 NHS Trusts within a single integrated care system (ICS) was conducted to gain insights into the preceptor role and perceived preparedness for the role. Consultation data comprised responses to open-ended questions in an online consultation portal which were analysed by thematic analysis. Consideration has also been made for potential variation across professional and organisational levels. There were 120 respondents from a broad range of AHPs working across the ICS. Thematic analysis identified three key findings: Firstly, AHP preceptorship programmes have been sub-optimally implemented within secondary care within this ICS. Secondly, the role of the preceptor is complex and multi-faceted with staff under prepared and supported in the role. Finally, being a preceptor can support both preceptee and the preceptor’s own personal growth. It is unclear however, how this role differs from other supportive roles that staff take on. When it comes to AHP preceptorship, this study suggests unwarranted variability and a current widespread lack of understanding of the preceptor role within the AHP workforce. This study has identified multiple factors at organisational, partnership (preceptee and preceptor) and individual level that impact on the effective role operationalisation that would benefit from further consideration and offer areas for improvement.