Exploring preceptorship programmes: Implications for future design

Aims and objectives To review and analyse current preceptorship programmes within NHS trusts in the North West of England. To evaluate the pedagogic rigour of the programme and suggest recommendations to inform the future design of preceptorship programmes. Background Enhancing the retention of newly qualified staff is of particular importance given that the journey from a new registrant to a competent healthcare professional poses a number of challenges, for both the individual staff member and organisations. Design A mixed methods evaluative approach was employed, using online questionnaires and content analysis of preceptorship documentation. Methods Forty‐one NHS trusts across the North West region employing newly qualified nurses were invited to participate in the completion of an online questionnaire. In addition, preceptorship programme documentation was requested for inclusion in the content analysis. This study used the SQUIRE (Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence) guidelines. Results The response rate for the questionnaire was 56.1% (n = 23). Eighteen trusts (43.9%) forwarded their programme documentation. Findings highlighted the wide variation in preceptorship programmes across the geographical footprint. Conclusions There were instances of outstanding preceptorship and preceptorship programmes where there was a clear link between the strategic vision, that is, trust policy, and its delivery, that is, preceptorship offering. There was no one framework that would universally meet the needs of all trusts; yet, there are key components which should be included in all preceptorship programmes. Therefore, we would encourage innovation and creativity in preceptorship programmes, cognisant of local context. Relevance to clinical practice The significant shortage of nursing staff in England is an ongoing issue. Recruitment and retention are key to ameliorating the shortfall, and formal support mechanisms like preceptorship, can improve the retention of newly qualified staff. Understanding current preceptorship programmes is an important first step in establishing the fundamental building blocks of successful preceptorship programmes and enabling the sharing of exemplary good practice across organisations.