Background and Objectives: The number of pharmacy clerkship preceptors and their teaching behaviors may be different. This study aimed to compare the evaluation of preceptor teaching behaviors by pharmacy students based on the number of preceptors working with the student.

Methods: We performed a prospective study among the 6th year pharmacy students completing a clerkship at Warinchamrab hospital from May 8, 2017 to January 26, 2018. Students assessed preceptor teaching behaviors, with three categories by number of preceptors: one, two, and 4-7 preceptors. A questionnaire was used to evaluate preceptor teaching behaviors using a 5 point Likert scale: orientation, direction and feedback, evaluation, role modeling, and facilitating behaviors. Students were also allowed to provide comments and suggestions. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis H were used to compare the difference between each group.

Results: Among 127 questionnaires from 43 students, the score in the one and two preceptors group were not different. Students with 4-7 preceptor provided the lowest rating in all domains. The score in the 4-7 preceptors group was significantly lower than the group with one and two preceptors (p<0.05). Among the 5 domains, the lowest rated of three groups was orientation with strongly agree 78.8%, 71.7%, and 37.8%, respectively. Concerns raised pharmacy students included the high amount of preceptor workload and time allotted for case discussions with student during the day.

Conclusion: The increase in number of pharmacy preceptor per student affects the evaluation of teaching behaviors compared to one or two preceptors. However, workload and time spending for case discussion are limitation of preceptor in pharmacy clerkship.