Feasibility of a pilot preceptorship programme for pharmacists working towards the advanced career stage in Scotland: a mixed-methods study

INTRODUCTION: Structured preceptorship programmes may support pharmacists working towards the advanced career stage, yet evidence on feasibility remains limited. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a pilot preceptorship programme for pharmacists working towards the advanced career stage. METHOD: An embedded mixed-methods pilot study was conducted in primary care practices within one territorial health board in NHS Scotland, recruiting four preceptor-preceptee pairs for a 16-week preceptorship programme. Quantitative data assessed programme delivery, including joint clinical sessions, shadowing sessions and changes in preceptee-reported self-efficacy and competence from baseline to 16 weeks. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with preceptors, preceptees, and senior pharmacy management explored perceptions of implementation barriers and enablers. Data were analysed using the COM-B framework, which considers Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation as key influences on behaviour. RESULTS: Feasibility assessment demonstrated incomplete implementation, with preceptee-reported delivery of 14 of 60 anticipated joint clinical sessions (including both preceptee led clinics and shadowing sessions) and 3 of 12 anticipated structured review meetings over the 16-week programme. Self-reported self-efficacy and competence data were collected over the study period; however, due to incomplete implementation, these data are not interpreted as evidence of programme effect. Qualitative analysis identified participants' perceptions of barriers to implementation, including competing workload priorities, lack of protected time, logistical challenges, limited stakeholder engagement, and insufficient holistic feedback (as feedback primarily focused on clinical rather than practical aspects), alongside enablers such as access to resources and the perceived value of preceptorship. CONCLUSION: The pilot preceptorship programme was not fully feasible in this professional context, highlighting important considerations for future implementation. Despite incomplete delivery, participants reported perceived changes in self-reported self-efficacy and competence; however, these findings do not provide evidence of programme effect, highlighting the need for further refinement and evaluation of preceptorship models in advanced pharmacist practice.