Wondering how our healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists, are faring lately? Well, now’s the perfect time to dive into a discussion with me about the latest insights from the 2023 report by the Well-Being Index. Whether you’re new here or a regular viewer, a warm welcome awaits you! And if you’re eager to stay updated with insightful content, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and notification bell. 

Here are the highlights from the Report:

• Destress has decreased for all pharmacists since 2019
• The Pharma Industry remains the highest well-being amongst all job sectors
• Pharmacists in non-traditional job title  (“Other”) have the highest well-being
• The most distressed pharmacists are Managers, 35-44 year olds, and those in Community Chains

Let’s dive right in!

Watch this discussion on YouTube: 2023 Well-Being Report: Are Pharmacist Stress Levels Being Downplayed? Eye-opening Findings!

Mean Distress

Now, more than ever, as the demands on healthcare professionals continue to escalate, leaders or even us, healthcare professionals seek advanced data, support, and strategies to cultivate cultures of well-being within our workplaces.

This annual report presents insights gleaned from over 79,000 Well-Being Index assessments conducted in 2023, with a particular emphasis on the 2,584 assessments completed by pharmacists.

Based on the data, the average distress level among pharmacists has decreased compared to previous reports spanning from 2019 to 2022. It has declined from 3.25 in 2019 to 2.59.

Since 2021, pharmacy-related organizations have been addressing stress and burnout in the profession. The Pharmacy Workplace and Well-being Reporting (PWWR) portal, initiated by APhA( American Pharmacists Association)  and NASPA( National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations), has received nearly 1,300 reports since October 2021, highlighting workplace conditions as a major stress factor for pharmacists.

https://www.pharmacist.com/Publications/Pharmacy-Today/Article/pharmacists-well-being-solutions-for-the-short-term-plans-for-the-long-term   

Insert: What else do you reckon stresses out pharmacists? Could it be the never-ending saga of patients struggling to choose between generic and brand-name meds? Or perhaps it’s the constant back-and-forth with insurance companies over coverage? Share your thoughts down below!

It’s positive to hear that the mean distress among pharmacists has decreased compared to previous reports. This could indicate improvements in working conditions, mental health awareness, or other factors contributing to their well-being. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders have played a crucial role as well.

But wait, let’s dive deeper and see what else the report reveals. 

Well-Being by Age

In a snapshot of well-being categorized by age, it’s revealed that individuals aged 35-44 experience the highest stress levels. This could be attributed to various factors, 

including the stage of career development and the process of finding professional fulfillment. It’s common for individuals in this age range to navigate career transitions, seek advancement opportunities, or strive for work-life balance, all of which can contribute to heightened stress levels. Additionally, there’s often a learning curve associated with new roles or responsibilities, adding to the pressure experienced during this stage of life. It’s interesting to note that those aged 65 and above are thriving quite well.

Well-Being by Occupation and Pharmacy Setting

In an analysis of occupational well-being, pharmacy administrators/managers were found to experience the highest level of distress. Additionally, among various practice settings, community pharmacists exhibited the highest distress rate at 29%, surpassing other pharmacy settings. Conversely, pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry demonstrated the highest level of thriving, with 59% reporting positive well-being.

The stress experienced by community pharmacists compared to those in other settings is well-documented and has been a longstanding issue. A survey conducted in 2021 highlighted this concern, indicating that workforce issues are a common challenge. A significant 78% of pharmacists cited “lack of staff” as a barrier to effective job performance. Can you believe it? Despite this report being from 2021, the issue still hasn’t been resolved. It’s like we’re stuck in a time loop! 

Additionally, nearly a quarter of pharmacists reported consistently working beyond their contracted hours. These findings underscore the strain placed on community pharmacists, who often bear the brunt of these challenges and face heightened levels of stress in their work environments.

https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/feature/work-related-stress-the-hidden-pandemic-in-pharmacy

Pharmacists are experiencing heightened workloads and stress, resulting in burnout and staffing shortages, especially during the pandemic. Retail pharmacy chains are cutting hours in response, which may worsen service issues. Some blame staffing shortages on a lack of trained personnel, while others point to reluctance to work in stressful conditions, worsened by pharmacy benefit management (PBM) practices. The strain on pharmacists can lead to errors, as evidenced by a pharmacist who almost administered the wrong vaccine dosage due to workload pressures.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/03/30/pharmacy-shortages-staffing/ 

In fact, these stressors and issues contribute to the shortage of pharmacists, a topic we discussed in our previous video. Feel free to check it out!

https://youtu.be/iDo9Z2jj_FU?si=u2xJ4CNOKOEV67AV 

What makes this survey or data significant, and what steps can we take to reduce stress?

Understanding the well-being of pharmacists is crucial for some reasons. Pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare delivery, ensuring safe and effective medication use for patients. Therefore, their well-being directly impacts patient outcomes and safety. Additionally, pharmacists often work in high-pressure environments, facing challenges such as 

• heavy workloads, 
• long hours, and 
• demanding patient interactions. 

Monitoring their well-being helps identify areas of concern and implement strategies to support pharmacists.

To enhance pharmacist well-being, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This includes creating supportive work environments with adequate staffing and opportunities for professional growth. Additionally, promoting work-life balance and addressing systemic issues like reimbursement policies and access to mental health resources are crucial.

In addressing stress and burnout in community and health-system pharmacy, it’s important to recognize that resolving workforce issues will take time. To tackle stress and burnout effectively, leaders need to revisit the core principles of workforce planning and design, seeking opportunities to revamp work structures. Key questions leaders should consider include:

• Do we have enough people to do the work?
• Are people adequately trained to do the work they are expected to do?
• Are people compensated equitably to the market for the work they are being asked to do?

A cultural shift within the profession is also needed, encouraging open communication and prioritizing self-care to create a supportive environment for pharmacists. While progress has been made in reducing stress, further efforts are needed to create a thriving environment for pharmacists to serve patients effectively.  Continued monitoring and targeted interventions are necessary to sustain and further enhance pharmacist well-being.

https://www.pharmacist.com/Publications/Pharmacy-Today/Article/pharmacists-well-being-solutions-for-the-short-term-plans-for-the-long-term 

While we’ve covered some great strategies for reducing stress in the profession, we’re always looking for more ways to make things better. What do you think could be changed or enhanced in the pharmacy field to decrease distressed pharmacists? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! And hey, don’t forget to hit that like button and subscribe for more insightful content. Stay tuned for our next video, where we’ll be exploring another interesting topic. Until then, take care and see you soon!