SUPERVISED INTERNSHIP IN CLINICAL NUTRITION: WHAT IS THE PRECEPTOR'S PERSPECTIVE?

Abstract

The Supervised Internship in Clinical Nutrition is a mandatory item for higher education in Nutrition. In this context, the role of the preceptor stands out, as an important and indispensable actor for the development of this curricular component. Studies that address preceptorship in health areas are common in the literature, but there are few studies that evaluate this theme in the area of ​​nutrition. The objective of this study was to understand the perception of the preceptor in the internship in Clinical Nutrition of the Nutrition course of a public federal higher education university, carried out in two public hospitals. The research was exploratory in nature, using a qualitative approach. First, a questionnaire was applied to the preceptors who accompanied the internship and, subsequently, two focus groups were held. The thematic synthesis generated four comprehensive analytical themes: (1) a lack of clarity was observed in the conceptualization and delegation of the functions of the preceptor and the professor; (2) the relationship and dialogue between them were evaluated negatively; (3) the lack of training in preceptorship was pointed out as a limiting factor for the preceptor's performance during the internship, and (4) the presence of the intern in the workplace was considered an agent of positive change. It is believed that joint actions of continuing education and training between the service and the educational institution are important for the adequate development of the internship and in the training of future professionals.