The IPE performance report: A tool for preceptor development

In order to promote interprofessional education (IPE) within the advanced experiential curriculum, the Office of Experiential Affairs (OEA) at Western New England University (WNE) created a process by which information regarding IPE at the practice sites is collected, verified, quantified, and used for preceptor development. An interprofessional education preceptor survey (IPEPS), consisting of 43 standardized questions designed to assess IPE opportunities available at practice sites, was administered to 55 preceptors in spring 2016 using QualtricsTM. Throughout the 2016–2017 academic year, students were required to document two interprofessional interactions that occurred during each of their four required APPE rotations. Results from the IPEPS were used to determine a perceived level of IPE occurring at each site and compared to student field encounter logs, then used to inform preceptor development through a customized IPE Performance Report. Response rates for both the IPEPS and student field encounter logs were 100%. Data relating to preceptors’ perception of IPE opportunities afforded by their sites were collected and compared to data logged by students regarding IPE encounters at the sites. The data were compiled through a customized IPE Performance Report and communicated to preceptors as a form of professional development around IPE.