Preparing paramedic preceptors for supervising clinical placements in residential aged care facilities

Introduction: Research has identified a gap in the evidence about paramedic preceptors and the role they play in supervising student placements (1). This paper discusses the experience of preceptors supervising undergraduate paramedic student clinical placements in residential aged care facilities (RACF) in Tasmania and NSW. These placements have previously been identified as providing a range of learning opportunities for students, (2) however, there is a gap in the academic literature regarding the preparation of preceptors to supervise these placements.

Method: The research adopted qualitative methods involving semi-structured in-depth interviews with preceptors at the completion of the placement program. Data analysis involved preliminary independent coding by members of the research team who then convened to compare results and reach concordance on key themes. These themes were then structured into a narrative description of the preceptors’ views on the placement experience.

Results: The preceptors identified a range of factors that enabled them to work effectively in the role, as well as areas where their preparation could be improved. These factors included the documentation provided prior to the placements, the amount of lead in time preceptors had to prepare prior to the placements and understanding what was expected of them in their role and what were the anticipated learning outcomes for students during the placement experience.

Conclusions: Structured clinical placements in RACFs play an important role in developing students’ knowledge and understanding of the elderly and RACFs. Appropriate preparation of preceptors is critical in order to maximise students’ learning opportunities.