Maslach Burnout Inventory: Factor Structures for Pharmacists in Health Maintenance Organizations and Comparison with Normative Data for USA Pharmacists

Abstract

This study compared the factor structure and burnout scores obtained on the Maslach Burnout Inventory from 84 pharmacists in Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) with the normative data for USA pharmacists. Results provided empirical support for the reliability and validity of the inventory to measure burnout within the profession of pharmacy. Values of Cronbach coefficient alpha for subscales of Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Personal Accomplishment were similar to those obtained with the normative sample. Factor analysis was conducted to yield the best three-factor solution. Derived factor loadings matched the three hypothesized subscales. On Personal Accomplishment the mean subscale score for HMO pharmacists was significantly higher than the normative score. Given limitations of the small sample, research is indicated to substantiate use of the inventory among HMO pharmacists.

Comparing Self-reported Burnout of Pharmacy Students on the Founding Campus With Those at Distance Campuses

“…7 However, it has since been applied to medical interns, 4 medical residents, 5 and pharmacists. 8,9 It has also been used to examine dental students in their experiential part of their education, 10 although to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time it has been used among pharmacy students.…”

“…9 The MBI is sensitive enough to discern differences among groups with varying demographic and practice characteristics. 8,9 In a study of European dental students, the MBI was sensitive enough to differentiate burnout levels in different geographic areas.…”

“…9 The MBI is sensitive enough to discern differences among groups with varying demographic and practice characteristics. 8,9 In a study of European dental students, the MBI was sensitive enough to differentiate burnout levels in different geographic areas. 10 The MBI consists of 18 items to evaluate the emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment, and depersonalization of colleagues and other persons.…”

“…In another study, personal accomplishment was significantly lower among health maintenance organization pharmacists than the normative score. 9 With regard to other health professionals, burnout among dental students in their experiential programs was found to differ among students in different European cities. 10 To the best of our knowledge, burnout among pharmacy students has not been previously reported.…”

“…3 Burnout is a long-term reaction to stress and is of significant concern among the helping professions, including physicians, 4,5 nurses, 6 mental health workers, 7 and pharmacists. 8,9 In studies of pharmacists' burnout, those working primarily in community chain store settings reported greater levels of burnout than those working in hospital or institutional pharmacies, independent community pharmacies, academia, or home health care. 8 Respondents who performed primarily nondistributive roles experienced lower levels of burnout than those involved primarily in drug distribution.…”