Practice Experiences and Preceptor Behaviours in Pharmacy Education

The aim of this study is to evaluate the significance of the training and mentoring of pharmacy students in order to improve these activities and to establish the adequate objectives in accordance with the changes concerning the concept of modern pharmacy. The study was conducted among pharmacist students enrolled in the introductory practice an online survey using Google Docs ® - Create Form extension. The results were analysed, systemised and presented using Microsoft Excel ®. The results show that students are aware of the usefulness of the practical stage and the majority appreciated that they were well integrated into pharmacy activity, this being due of preceptors’ teaching behaviours. The students considered that the preceptors require specific knowledge (in therapeutic and communication areas), experience (at least three to five years), skills, attitudes and responsibility. Based on the students’ feedback, future actions will focus on the training programmes proposed for preceptors in order to provide them with an opportunity to recognise and assume their role as models for the students.