Primary Health Care Preceptorship in Medical and Multidisciplinary Training – A Review of Brazilian Publications

The changing concept of health and the introduction of a different health care model has induced transformations in health education and required students to undergo preceptorship under the supervision of health care professionals.

Objective  To review the concepts and activities of preceptorship presented in Brazilian scientific publications between the years 2002 and 2012 about multidisciplinary and medical preceptorship.

Methodology  Literature review of Brazilian experiences published in the databases Lilacs, Medline, SciELO, Wholis, Portal Capes; using as descriptors “training” and “preceptorship”. The following themes were selected for the analysis: concept of preceptor/preceptorship; activities, characteristics and training of the preceptor; teacher-student-service relationship; working conditions.

Results  The terms preceptor and preceptorship are often used in the context of health education, but still lack a consistent definition. The activities and characteristics of the preceptor are heterogeneous. Preceptorship brings a teaching/pedagogical dimension, which is often absent in the formative processes of the professional.

Conclusion  The profile and activities of the preceptor must be agreed in advance of the residency programs. Considering preceptor training is critical to ensuring the transformation of Health Care Training.

Preceptorship; Primary Health Care; Medical Education