Dietitians' perceptions of precepting: knowledge, skills, attitudes, barriers, and training.

Purpose: The extent to which dietitians agreed or disagreed with key informants' perceptions of precepting knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA), training needs, and barriers was determined.

Methods: A 98-item survey was developed and distributed electronically to Dietitians of Canada members (n=5376).

Results: Of the 750 respondents who completed the survey (14% response rate), more than 95% agreed that preceptors should have knowledge of promoting learning and skills acquisition, and of learner assessment and evaluation. More than 90% of respondents agreed that preceptors should have skills in planning, teaching, coaching, research, facilitation, and evaluation. Differences in respondents' perceptions of preceptor participation in practice-based research differed with years of experience. Respondents with fewer than five years of experience had a higher level of agreement that preceptors should participate in practice-based research than did those with more experience (P<0.05). Respondents indicated that barriers to precepting training were insufficient time (93%) and work environments not supportive of precepting (64%).

Conclusions: The findings articulate the KSA, training needs, and barriers to precepting considered significant for dietitian preceptors. The results are important for the advocacy for resources to support the training and development of preceptors, upon whom sustainability of the profession depends.