Examining participant perceptions of the UCSF school of pharmacy master preceptor program

Introduction: The University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy faculty created the Master Preceptor Program (MPP) to instill best practices in clinical precepting, leadership and professional development, and interprofessional education (IPE). Graduates of the program are encouraged to mentor colleagues at affiliated sites. This study aimed to explore MPP participants' perceptions about the program and to collect general feedback. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study of MPP participants who completed the program between 2017 and 2019 was conducted. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were used to collect general programmatic feedback and examples of skill implementation. All encounters were conducted and recorded online via Zoom. Three investigators independently analyzed transcripts for codes related to key programmatic areas using conventional content analysis. Results: Ten of 14 past MPP participants participated. Themes included confidence and skills gained in clinical teaching, self-reflection and network opportunities supporting professional and leadership development, and a need for structured expectations and deliverables. Participants noted several benefits of the MPP on clinical teaching, such as improving confidence and adopting teaching techniques, structural and organizational skills, and a learner-centered approach. Participants also mentioned programmatic offerings that improved leadership and professional development, such as networking opportunities in the MPP and at conferences. Participants did not mention IPE in their responses. Conclusions: All participants recognized the MPP as an effective training program to enhance clinical precepting skills, leadership, and professional development. Program structure and intentional incorporation of IPE skills are areas of improvement for future cohorts.