Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Clinical environment remains an important aspect in the development of student's competence,
confidence and fulfillment of their expected learning outcomes. Preceptors and clinical teachers
play a significant role in preparing students to achieve their professional goals through continuous
support and resource provision. This study explored the students' perception of using clinical preceptors
to improve their clinical learning outcomes.
METHODS: The researchers used semi structured interviews to collect qualitative data. A total of 48 students
were purposively and conveniently sampled from 8 hospitals to participate in the study. Content
analysis was used to analyse the data.
FINDINGS: Two themes emerged from the study findings namely: creating a positive clinical learning
environment and facilitating academic clinical collaboration.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study revealed that students gained more confidence and competence in
clinical practice when supported by preceptors as well as achieved clinical learning outcomes. These
findings suggest the need to train more clinical preceptors for improvement of students' clinical learning
outcomes
