Development of an Evidence-Based Preceptor Website

Purpose: The purpose of this poster is to describe an innovative educational tool: The Partners in Education Nurse Practitioner Preceptor Website. Outcomes shown from this project validate the dissemination of an online preceptor website for use in other educational institutions, particularly undeserved and geographically challenged regions both nationally and internationally.

Background: In today’s constricted global economy and physician shortages, nurse practitioners play a vital role in providing competent and cost-effective primary care. Quality nurse practitioner education depends on the availability of clinical preceptors to educate students in the clinical setting. Based on a literature review, the Partners in Education Nurse Practitioner Preceptor Website was developed to provide evidence-based educational development; improve communication and access between faculty and community preceptors locally and in rural settings; and to make available a mechanism for preceptor recognition.    

Methods: The target population consisted of current community nurse practitioner preceptors.  Participants were asked to complete an online descriptive survey of closed and open-ended questions that addressed relevancy of the website’s content, delivery, strengths and weaknesses, and areas for improvement. A likert scale scored responses from poor to excellent.  Data was tracked for 6 weeks post implementation of the website.

Results: Initial participant evaluation, although limited (20% respondents), was very positive. Overall, responses ranged from good (6%) to excellent (89%). Benefits highly valued included “rewards” such as free library access, free educational resources and credit hours, improved faculty communication systems, and preceptor recognition. Several comments suggested that these approaches are more rewarding than an invitation to a one day workshop “that is difficult to attend due to distance” and “scheduling issues.”

Conclusion: Offering a preceptor program online actively prepares preceptors in a timely manner and facilitates management of the clinical area.  A well prepared and informed preceptor enhances the quality of the nurse practitioner produced, improving patient care.  Outcomes from this project validate the dissemination of an online preceptor website for use in other educational institutions, particularly underserved and geographically challenged regions both nationally and internationally.