Outpatient precepting- A review of the literature

Abstract

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to review strategies and evidence about effective outpatient precepting in the Western literature.
Methods : The authors searched MEDLINE for studies on family medicine or general medicine outpatient precepting. From 309 papers, the authors applied inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify relevant studies applicable to residency training in family medicine in Japan, and the resulting 18 studies were then analyzed systematically.
Results : Using a dedicated preceptor is the most effective precepting style. In a typical five-minute precepting encounter, most of the time is spent on the diagnosis and management. Insufficient time is spent on the discussion of evidence based medicine (EBM), psychosocial issues, or feedback. To resolve this, precepting techniques such as ‘one-minute precepting’ and SNAPPS can be effectively implemented.
Conclusion : In outpatient precepting, educational discussions incorporating EBM and psychosocial issues as part of standard practice, in addition to providing effective feedback are advocated.