The pharmacy industry is grappling with a severe staffing shortage, exacerbated by burnout among pharmacists. This crisis has far-reaching consequences, impacting patient care, medication safety, and the overall well-being of pharmacy professionals. In this article, we will highlight the problem, the causes and consequences, as well as actionable recommendations to combat the problem.

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‍The Magnitude of the Problem

The statistics paint a grim picture:

Persistent Staffing Shortage: According to a 2019 workforce study, 71% of practicing pharmacists reported workloads as high or excessively high.

Burnout: Post-pandemic studies reveal a staggering 35.9% increase in workload, with 52.2% of pharmacists working overtime.‍

Lack of Growth in the Industry: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a mere 2% growth in pharmacy employment between 2021 and 2031, significantly slower than other industries.

These alarming figures underscore the urgent need for effective solutions to address the staffing shortage and prevent burnout among pharmacists.

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The Root Cause and Consequences

The causes of burnout in pharmacy are multifactorial, including long professional hours, patient demands, insurance issues, and staffing shortages. The effects can be devastating, leading to dispensing errors, low morale, high staff turnover, and compromised patient safety.

Burnout can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty concentrating, changes in appearance or behavior, and canceling appointments or running late. These symptoms not only impact the well-being of pharmacists but also the quality of care they provide.

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Potential Solutions

To combat this crisis, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Pharmacies and healthcare facilities should consider the following strategies:

1. Implement burnout prevention strategies: Create a supportive and positive work environment that promotes fairness, equity, and open communication. Offer appropriate rewards, reasonable workloads, and opportunities for rest and recovery.

2. Increase workflow efficiency: Utilize digital solutions like scheduling software, point-of-care testing, and medication therapy management services to streamline operations and generate additional revenue.

3. Promote work-life balance: Explore flexible scheduling options, such as compressed work schedules, flextime, and hybrid models that allow remote work. Provide incentives and fair compensation for extra time worked.

4. Hire PRN (per diem) pharmacists: Leveraging platforms like ShiftRx can provide access to a pool of qualified, on-demand pharmacists. This flexible staffing solution can alleviate workload pressures, reduce burnout, and ensure consistent patient care.

By leveraging PRN pharmacists, pharmacies and healthcare facilities can quickly fill staffing gaps, provide relief to overworked employees, and maintain operational continuity. This approach offers a cost-effective and scalable solution, allowing organizations to adapt to fluctuating demands without compromising patient care or employee well-being.

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In a Nutshell

The pharmacy staffing shortage and burnout crisis demand immediate attention and action. By implementing burnout prevention strategies, increasing workflow efficiency, promoting work-life balance, and embracing innovative staffing solutions like hiring PRN pharmacists, the industry can address this pressing issue and ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, and compassionate patient care.

ShiftRx is on a mission to connect pharmacies and healthcare facilities with qualified, on-demand pharmacists, offering a flexible and cost-effective staffing solution. This streamlined process eliminates the need for traditional staffing agencies, providing higher pay rates for pharmacists and lower costs for facilities.

Moreover, ShiftRx addresses the critical issue of onboarding and integration by offering customized training modules tailored to each facility's workflows, systems, and protocols. These modules ensure that temporary pharmacists are well-prepared and can seamlessly integrate into the facility, reducing the burden on permanent staff and promoting a smooth transition.

By leveraging ShiftRx's innovative platform, pharmacies and healthcare facilities can quickly fill staffing gaps, alleviate workload pressures, and maintain operational continuity, ultimately reducing burnout and improving patient care.

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Citations:

https://www.michiganpharmacists.org/addressing-burnout-in-pharmacy/

https://chc.com/pharmacy-update-strategies-to-mitigate-staffing-shortages-2/

https://news.ashp.org/news/ashp-news/2023/05/02/health-systems-support-efforts-to-prevent-burnout-among-pharmacy-staff

https://www.mckesson.com/pharmacy-management/health-systems/prescribed-perspectives/highlighting-resiliency-and-addressing-burnout-in-health-system-pharmacy/

https://pharmanewsintel.com/news/looking-for-solutions-amidst-pharmacist-shortages-and-burnout

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