BACKGROUND

Clinical training is an essential component of preparing a state’s health workforce. Members of the Utah Health Workforce Advisory Council (HWAC) have consistently identified clinical preceptor shortages as one of the most pressing challenges impacting health professions education and workforce development. This issue has also garnered prior interest from state legislators (as reflected by the introduction of House Bill 386 in the 2023 session). In direct response, the HWAC prioritized the examination of Utah’s clinical preceptors landscape and the development of actionable recommendations as a central focus in its 2024 Action Plan.

Under the authority of the Health Workforce Act and in partnership between the HWAC and Utah Health Workforce Information Center (HWIC), the Department of Commerce’s Division of Professional Licensing began collecting supplemental workforce data from Utah’s licensed physicians and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) as the first professions prioritized for collection and analysis (due to priority establishment by the Legislature and in alignment with professional renewal timelines). The data captured from these professionals during license renewal was prioritized by the HWAC to include professionals’ self-reported participation as a preceptor.

Although the HWAC recognizes that a wide range of health professions report difficulties securing sufficient preceptorship opportunities, clearly defining the scope of the study was essential to ensure meaningful analysis and develop feasible recommendations. Therefore, given the data that were available for Utah physicians and APRNs, the initial clinical preceptor study and associated recommendations was focused on these professions. However, the methodology and approach lay the groundwork for expansion to include an assessment and additional professions in future years, if prioritized by the HWAC or other entities.

This document outlines the findings from data analyses and stakeholder perspectives to contribute to knowledge on the clinical preceptor landscape within the state of Utah, outlining training needs; current capacity; and perspectives from practicing professionals (both preceptors and non-preceptors), training programs, and other key stakeholders. Accompanying documents have been prepared to outline details about the HWAC’s Clinical Preceptor Subcommittee establishment, associated policy research, recommendation development process, and presentation of the HWAC recommendation.