Preceptor Development Program (PDP)
Strategies for a Busy Practice: Orienting the Learner
Without a clear orientation process, learners can take as long as two
weeks to figure out how to pace themselves, focus their ambulatory care
encounters, set priorities for patient visits, write up charts, and
present cases (Kurth, Irigoyen, & Schmidt, 1997, see Resources &
Links).
The student or resident usually arrives first thing on Monday morning
to a busy office. It is important, but difficult to take time at the
very start of the rotation to discuss these topics with the learner. Here
are some tips for an efficient and effective orientation.
- Use a checklist
to remember key points about your practice and to clarify your
expectations.
- Develop with the learner 4-6 achievable rotation objectives. These
will help you focus your teaching for the rest of the rotation. Write
them down and hang them in the clinical area, this helps other staff
be aware of the learner’s interests so they can be involved in
relevant cases.
- Staff can help with the orientation. Your office manager can orient
the learner to the office procedures, charting, scheduling, etc., and
your lab technician can provide OSHA training.
- You don’t need to sit down with the learner first thing at the
start of the rotation. Have staff provide an initial orientation, give
a brief introduction, and then have the learner shadow for part of the
morning, allowing time for a more leisurely orientation at lunch.
- If you find the first day of the rotation too hectic, ask your
learner to meet you the evening before the first day of the rotation,
as he or she arrives in town. This arrangement allows more time to
meet in a more relaxed environment.
Any orientation tips? Go to Talk Back with Dr. PDP