Program development of a preceptor bootcamp for operational pharmacy preceptors.

PURPOSE: To describe the development, design, and implementation of a pilot preceptor development bootcamp and feedback related to its feasibility and impact on operational pharmacy preceptors. SUMMARY: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center designed and implemented a pilot preceptor development bootcamp for operational staff pharmacists serving as residency preceptors for longitudinal weekend staffing experiences. A systematic, multipronged approach was taken to identify preceptor development gaps and design a full-day bootcamp curriculum. The resultant curriculum was comprised of content in major functional areas including using the 4 preceptor roles, documenting performance, giving and receiving feedback, and dealing with difficult situations or learners. The impact of the pilot preceptor development bootcamp was assessed using survey methodology and qualitative feedback from debrief discussions. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a pilot preceptor bootcamp program addressing major areas of precepting skill was well received, resulted in positive feedback from operational pharmacy preceptors, and was feasible to implement at a large academic medical center.

Navigating manuscript assessment: The new practitioner's guide to primary literature peer review.

For pharmacists, the first years after graduation are spent developing their knowledge base, advancing as a practitioner, and honing their abilities as healthcare providers and drug information experts. New practitioners encounter many challenges during this time, which for many include publishing original research or reviewing manuscripts for colleagues and medical journals. Inexperience navigating the publication process, from submission to receipt of (and response to) peer review commentary, is often cited as a major barrier to timely publication of resident and new practitioner research. Serving as a peer reviewer in turn provides the new practitioner with insight on this process and can be an enlightening experience used to garner confidence in subsequently submitting their own formal manuscripts. A number of publications describing steps for peer review are available, however, many of these articles address more experienced reviewers or critique the peer review process itself. No definitive resource exists for new pharmacy practitioners interested in developing their peer review skills. The information presented in this summative guide should be used in conjunction with practice opportunities to help new practitioners develop proficiency at peer review.