By Faculty for FacultyOnline Clinical Education Training for Preceptors: A Pilot QI Project

•We examined online clinical education training to improve preceptors' knowledge, skill, and comfort related to clinical teaching.•Knowledge scores from preceptors who completed online continuing education were significantly increased after participation (P = .003).•Satisfaction was rated as excellent or good by 94.7% of preceptors who completed online continuing education.•Online training can be used to engage community-based preceptors in continuing education.

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement online education to improve preceptors' knowledge, skill, and comfort related to clinical teaching. Online modules were developed, implemented, and evaluated. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t tests. Forty-five percent (N = 18) of 40 consenting participants completed the project. Knowledge scores were significantly increased after participation (P = .003); skill and comfort were not significantly changed. Satisfaction was rated as excellent or good by 94.7% of the preceptors. Increased preceptor knowledge and high levels of satisfaction suggest that online education for preceptors may be an effective approach to formal preceptor education.