Evaluation of perceived stress and resilience among postgraduate academic‐affiliated pharmaceutical industry fellows

Abstract

Introduction It has been determined that pharmacy residents experience high levels of perceived stress; however, the extent of stress perceived by pharmaceutical industry fellows has not been quantified. This study examined the level of perceived stress academic‐affiliated postgraduate pharmaceutical industry fellows experience, along with identification of what types of stressors they experience, possible factors associated with higher levels of perceived stress, and the state of resilience skills in this population. Methods A multi‐item survey instrument was created to collect information about fellow demographics, perceived stress using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS‐10), major stressors, and resilience skills using the brief Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC‐10). Postgraduate year one (PGY1) and postgraduate year two (PGY2) industry‐affiliated pharmaceutical fellows at programs with academic collaborations through Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), and Purdue University College of Pharmacy were invited to complete the anonymous survey instrument from March to May 2022. Results A total of 83 complete responses were received, for a response rate of 21.4%. The mean PSS‐10 score for fellows was 14.8 (SD, 5.7). For resilience, the mean CD‐RISC‐10 score was 29.0 (SD, 5.2). No relationships were found between fellow demographics, perceived stress, and resilience skills. Fellows reported experiencing stress caused by work role/responsibilities (72.3%), personal/physical stressors (68.7%), work environment (37.3%), and home environment (28.9%) in the past month. The top reported coping strategies were exercising/sports (65.1%), spending time with family/friends (48.2%), and watching television (33.7%). Conclusion Academic‐affiliated pharmaceutical industry fellows reported a moderate level of perceived stress and lower resilience levels than the general population. Results from this research will be used to develop a customized wellness initiative to support pharmaceutical industry fellows.

Postgraduate pharmacy training: Much progress and much more to do

“…Herein, we present a carefully selected compilation of articles addressing these important topics and other contemporary issues, such as job market perceptions of residency graduates and factors related to successful pharmacy residency matching. 11 Outcomes suggest a potential need for well-being and resilience programs in this group of postgraduate trainees, similar those endorsed by ASHP for postgraduate pharmacy residents. 12 Diversifying the pharmacy workforce is critical to providing a more inclusive work environment.…”

“…The goal of the fellowship is to develop a skilled pharmacist with a strong health equity knowledgebase and the ability to address health‐care disparities on both local and global levels. Perceived stress and resiliency in pharmaceutical industry fellows, a topic previously only reported in students and postgraduate pharmacy residents, is explored by Strong et al using validated psychological tools 11 . Outcomes suggest a potential need for well‐being and resilience programs in this group of postgraduate trainees, similar those endorsed by ASHP for postgraduate pharmacy residents 12…”

Resilience and empathy in pharmacy interns: Insights from a three-year cohort study

“…Despite the wealth of literature on the importance of resilience and empathy among healthcare professionals and students, few studies have explicitly examined how resilient or empathetic pharmacists are at the start of their professional career. 11 , 22 , 23 Pharmacy interns face many challenges that may undermine their resilience and empathy which include balancing academic work and intern examinations with their newfound professional responsibilities and demanding workloads. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges by reducing supervision and preceptor contact.…”