The Impact of Preceptorship for Newly Graduated Orthoptists on Clinical Confidence and Attitudes towards Public Health.

Farrelly-Waters, Martha ORCID: 0000-0002-9100-2305 and Mehta, Jignasa ORCID: 0000-0003-1966-4459 (2022) The Impact of Preceptorship for Newly Graduated Orthoptists on Clinical Confidence and Attitudes towards Public Health. The British and Irish orthoptic journal, 18 (1). pp. 1-10.

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Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Preceptorship has been found to ensure a positive and healthy start to a clinician's career. Evidence shows increased staff satisfaction and empowerment and decreased medical errors as a result of preceptorship. There is limited literature that includes allied health professionals, particularly new orthoptic graduates. This study aims to: 1) explore the effectiveness of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS) preceptorship programme at providing support and confidence in newly graduated orthoptists, 2) explore new graduates' experience of embedding public health in their clinical practice.<h4>Methodology</h4>Focus groups were organised for mentors and mentees to discuss their experiences with the BIOS preceptorship programme and how it facilitated embedding public health into clinical practice. Constant comparison analysis was used to identify key themes of discussion.<h4>Findings</h4>The preceptorship document promoted structure, reflection, and engagement all of which contributed to effective transition for the mentees. However, document navigation, lack of preceptorship exposure at undergraduate level and leadership engagement were potential barriers to using the programme. The programme encouraged public health engagement among new graduates but barriers such as time pressure, lack of experience and patient understanding were challenges that often prevented the adoption of public health skills and behaviours within their practice.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The BIOS preceptorship successfully supports new graduates in their transition into an autonomous practitioner. The programme could be improved by the implementation of a guidance document to assist mentors in their role. Preceptorship engagement could be improved by increasing exposure to undergraduate orthoptic students and departments alike.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	mentorship, new graduate, orthoptist, preceptee, preceptor, preceptorship
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health > School of Health Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	07 Feb 2022 16:30
Last Modified:	18 Jan 2023 21:13
DOI:	10.22599/bioj.248
Open Access URL:	https://www.bioj-online.com/articles/10.22599/bioj...
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3148411