Lifelong learning for pharmacist preceptors in primary healthcare in the Brazilian health system: a qualitative study

Abstract

A good preceptorship practice requires lifelong education. In this context, a course was developed for pharmacist preceptors aiming to promote the development of clinical skills. This study aims to describe the educational experience developed and the participants' perspective on it. This is a qualitative study, with data collection through participant observation, semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The transcribed data were submitted to thematic analysis. The planning of the educational activity, carried out based on a diagnosis with the pharmacists, resulted in satisfaction on the part of the pharmacists, who stressed the relevance of the topics addressed for their daily practice. The theoretical-practical course with case studies that aimed to develop initial clinical skills proved to be satisfactory from the perspective of the participants. Problems in the management of the local health system made it difficult to carry out the on-site support phase, initially planned. In addition, factors that influence the possibility of applying such competences in professional daily life were evidenced. The knowledge generated can be used to support other university-health service integration experiences for the lifelong education of pharmacists, taking advantage of the positive aspects and developing strategies to prevent the identified problems.