A systematic review and pooled prevalence of burnout in pharmacists

Abstract

Background Burnout is an occupational phenomenon caused by ineffectively managed work-related stress. Burnout is common among healthcare professionals and has the capacity to compromise patient care, but is not well characterised in pharmacists. Aim This systematic review aimed to establish the prevalence of burnout among pharmacists, and its associated risk factors. Method A systematic search of Embase, PubMed, CINAHL and PsychInfo was carried out. Studies were included using the following eligibility criteria; original research investigating burnout prevalence in pharmacists in patient-facing roles in any jurisdiction, using any validated burnout measurement instrument. No language or date barriers were set. Data were extracted by the first author and accuracy checked by co-authors. A pooled prevalence was estimated, and narrative synthesis provided. Results Burnout prevalence data were extracted from 19 articles involving 11,306 pharmacist participants across eight countries. More than half (51%) of pharmacists were experiencing burnout. Associated risk factors included longer working hours, less professional experience, high patient and prescription volumes, excessive workload and poor work/life balance. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted pharmacist burnout and resilience. Involvement in education and training and access to burnout management resources were associated with lower rates of burnout, but burnout intervention effectiveness is unknown. Conclusion Burnout remains high among pharmacists and may negatively affect the quality of patient care. There is significant heterogeneity pertaining to the definition and assessment of burnout and there remains a need to identify and evaluate effective individual and organisational burnout interventions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11096-022-01520-6.

“Are you sure you want to be a pharmacist?”

“…3,5 A 2022 systematic review across 8 countries estimated that 51% of pharmacists experience burnout. 3 In Canada, survey responses indicated that 79% of pharmacy professionals were at risk of burnout in 2023, a decrease from 92% in 2022, but a number that indicates burnout is still alarmingly widespread. 5 What is particularly concerning for the future of pharmacy is that younger ages are strongly correlated with worse mental…”

“…A potential reason for widespread pessimism is the prevalence of burnout, recognized as an occupational phenomenon caused by ineffective management of chronic stress. 3 Burnout is associated with increased job turnover and decreased psychological and physical well-being, leading to an increase in medication errors and reduced quality of care. 3 Understanding the factors contributing to burnout is essential if patient care is to be upheld as a core principle for pharmacy practice.…”

“…3 Burnout is associated with increased job turnover and decreased psychological and physical well-being, leading to an increase in medication errors and reduced quality of care. 3 Understanding the factors contributing to burnout is essential if patient care is to be upheld as a core principle for pharmacy practice.…”

“…These factors culminate in sobering statistics concerning the overall mental health of pharmacy professionals. Although the situation has stabilized since the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2023 only 1 in 3 respondents rated their mental health as “good” or “very good.” 3,5 A 2022 systematic review across 8 countries estimated that 51% of pharmacists experience burnout. 3 In Canada, survey responses indicated that 79% of pharmacy professionals were at risk of burnout in 2023, a decrease from 92% in 2022, but a number that indicates burnout is still alarmingly widespread.…”

The single item burnout measure is a reliable and valid tool to measure occupational burnout

“…3 Burnout is prevalent in a variety of jobs. In particular, the pooled prevalence of burnout in 43.2% in physicians, 4 in nurses is 11.2%, 5 in pharmacists is 51%, 6 in general practitioners is 37%, 7 in dentists is 13%, 8 in psychiatrists is 25.9%, 9 and in primary healthcare professionals is 28.1% 10 . We should notice that there are significant differences in prevalence of burnout between geographical regions, clinical settings and specialties.…”