Evaluation of Staffordshire, Stoke on Trent Allied Health Professionals preceptorship programmes: a mixed method UK study

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate current preceptorship provision across AHP professions in the Staffordshire, Stoke on Trent (SSOT) region of England to improve consistency, share and optimise best practice. Background: Preceptorship, defined as a period of structured transition from newly qualified to an independent practitioner, is thought to improve recruitment and retention of staff and ultimately improve patient care. During the COVID pandemic SSOT recognised a particular need to support newly qualified staff, and to evaluate existing AHP provision for recent graduates. Methods: : An explanatory sequential mixed methods design, utilising a cross sectional survey questionnaire and two subsequent focus groups, were used to explore existing AHP preceptorship in SSOT in 2021. Following ethical approval respondents were recruited via professional networks who completed an online survey questionnaire. . Two subsequent focus groups enabled an in-depth exploration of survey results. Descriptive statistics summarised survey data and thematic analysis was used to describe focus group findings. Results: : SSOT AHPs (n=217; 26% preceptees; 47% preceptors) participated in the survey questionnaire and 20 in the focus groups. 57% of preceptees rated existing preceptorship programmes to be “somewhat or not effective”. Preceptors reported feeling unprepared for their role. Preceptees and preceptors reported that, post pandemic, most existing programs required revisions to be fit for purpose. Six pragmatic summary recommendations were made. Conclusions: : Allied Health Professions Preceptorship in SSOT was found to be inconsistent, poorly understood and inadequate. Revisions to SSOT preceptorship programs are planned to reflect changes in AHP practice since the COVID pandemic.