Having reviewed this data, preceptors can better formulate their own specific objectives for the experience. Research in physician-patient communication indicates that a key component of patient satisfaction with the provider and the office visit is the act of orienting the patient to the visit. A similar technique is also quite useful in orienting students to a preceptorship. Overview discussions, often referred to as housekeeping, do a great job of getting all participants on the same page. It is useful to write these down to communicate at the beginning of the preceptorship.
Some students are adaptable and are quick learners of the house rules.
Others need explicit instructions about how things work in this unique setting. Remember that many students have not worked in a busy ambulatory office before. They may be overwhelmed by the pace and business of the practice. Some preceptors place a higher priority on hospital patient involvement, others on generating a differential diagnosis or providing patient education. While these student roles may be general, it is also useful to delineate specific types of patients or skills you would like to see the student experience.