Preceptor perceptions of block scheduling and institutional track programs to prepare APPE students for residency or hospital careers.

INTRODUCTION: Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (BUCOPHS) and Purdue University College of Pharmacy (PUCOP) created Block Scheduling and Institutional Track programs with the goal of better preparing students interested in pursuing postgraduate residency and/or a career in institutional practice. While informal feedback has been positive from both students and preceptors, more formalized feedback was sought. The objective of this study was to determine whether preceptors perceived additional benefits in precepting students selected through Block Scheduling and Institutional Track programs compared to students scheduled on rotations through a traditional preference or optimization process. METHODS: A 12-item electronic survey instrument was sent to BUCOPHS and PUCOP preceptors who had precepted block-scheduled and/or institutional track students in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 academic years. RESULTS: The majority of preceptors (71.4%) felt that the time they spent orienting block and institutional track students was less or significantly less when compared to orienting traditionally scheduled students. Seventy-three percent (73.2%) of preceptors reported that block-scheduled and institutional track students were more or significantly more prepared for residency positions than traditional students. The majority of preceptors (93%) indicated they would recommend block scheduling or an institutional track to other practice sites. Reported benefits to the preceptor included additional time to dedicate to patient care, additional time to complete projects and initiatives for the pharmacy department, and publishable research produced from student projects mentored. CONCLUSION: Preceptors perceived benefits in precepting block-scheduled and institutional track students compared to traditionally scheduled rotation students.