1. ROTATION: St. Christopher's Resident as Teacher Block - "Effective
Precepeting"
GOAL 1: Understand the complex tasks that are required in order to perform
effective precepting.
OBJECTIVES:
• Describe the multiple tasks that must be accomplished simultaneously by
a preceptor when teaching medical students and residents including (C,
PC, K)
o Diagnose the patient
o Assess learner’s knowledge base
o Provide feedback to the learner
o Teach the learner
GOAL 2: Learn techniques for effective precepting
OBJECTIVES:
• Use techniques which will help prepare the learners, patients and
caregivers prior to the precepting experience including (K, PB)
o “Prime” the learner prior to initiation of the patient encounter (e.g.
highlight historical and physical exam data that is pertinent to the
chief complaint)
o Set expectations for the learners (e.g. length of time in the room,
information to include in the oral presentation)
o Set expectations for the patient/caregiver prior to initiation of the
patient encounter (e.g. longer visit time)
• Role model effective communication skills with the patient and the
caregivers including (P, C, PC)
o Proper introductions
o Explain role to patient and caregiver
o Identify the primary historian
o Use effective history taking techniques (e.g. ask open-ended
questions, ask questions one at a time)
o Use effective non-verbal cues (e.g. nod, maintain eye contact)
o Use language at the proper developmental/educational level
o Avoid medical jargon
o Encourage questions from patient/caregivers
• Include the learners in the encounter between the preceptor and the
patient with the caregivers. (P)
• Demonstrate respect for learners, patient and caregivers during the
precepting encounter. (P)

2. GOAL 3: Become familiar with the “One Minute Preceptor
OBJECTIVES:
• Demonstrate the steps of the “One Minute Preceptor”. (C)
o Allow the student to present the history, physical examination,
assessment and plan uninterrupted
o Get a commitment
o Probe for supporting evidence
o Teach a general rule
o Provide positive feedback
o Provide constructive feedback
GOAL 4: Learn techniques to engage the learners, patient, and patient’s
family members during the precepting experience.
OBJECTIVES:
• Use effective listening skills to elicit information from the learner (e.g.
maintain eye contact, attentive) (C)
• Provide a wrap-up of the precepting session (K, PC)
o Give concluding teaching points to the students.
o Supervise the student giving education and discharge instructions
to the patient/caregivers.
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES:
1. Lectures
2. Role playing
EVALUATION STRATEGIES:
1. Direct observation
2. Evaluation forms (see attached)