Findings From the Recent APhA, NASPA Pharmacy Workplace and Well Being Trends and Learning Report

In October 2021, the Pharmacy Workplace and Well-Being Reporting (PWWR) Trends and Learning Report was initiated by the APHA and NASPA, and this initiative is ongoing. 1 The PWWR is available online and is a confidential and anonymous resource that allows pharmacists and other pharmacy personnel to provide input regarding positive and negative experiences in the workplace setting. The data obtained from submissions can be instrumental in understanding the factors affecting the overall well-being and job satisfaction of pharmacists and pharmacy personnel, factors contributing to positive and negative work experiences, and the impacts on patient care. It also provides valuable information that may enhance work experiences and patient care. 

The APhA states, “The goal of PWWR is to tell the stories of those who submit their experiences so that the profession may begin to act on the findings and learnings.”¹ In late August, the APHA and NASPA published the findings from the 6th PWWR report. 

The APhA indicates since its inception, a total of 1436 submissions have been received by pharmacists and other pharmacy personnel from across the country. Additionally, the majority of individuals who provided submissions about experiences were females, and job descriptions included pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy managers, pharmacy supervisors, or pharmacists in charge.^1,2  

In the most recent report, which contained submissions between April 2023 and June 2023, a total of 85 submissions were received for the sixth report. A synopsis of the most recent submissions includes the following:^1,2

• Workplace conditions remain as one of the principal reasons cited in the experience reports, as well as harassment from patients/caregivers, the need for more staffing, adjustments to scheduling, volume/workload expectations, and having to work overtime.²
• For this most recent report, 77 negative experiences and eight positive experiences were submitted.
• With regard to positive experiences cited, individuals indicated receiving positive feedback from co-workers on measures such as employing effective patient education measures to ensure patient safety and enhance the patient/caregiver's understanding of the proper use of medication and support from coworkers.² 
• Another positive experience cited was an experience using clinical skills to prevent potential medication errors and positive interactions and feedback from patients.²
• With regard to positive experiences, the report indicated, “Of the reporters, 5 of the 8 indicated that their positive experiences would have a lasting positive effect on their well-being. Two indicated that the experience provided a temporary positive effect on their well-being. And lastly, two indicated that they were unsure how it would affect their well-being at this point.”
• Examples of the 77 negative experiences cited were due to staffing/scheduling, high workload demands, working conditions, personal safety concerns, insurance/billing issues, and technology issues, and 96% of participants revealed that these issues were recurring, and many who submitted these issues worked in retail pharmacy settings.²
• Individuals also cited a greater need for open and honest communication with supervisors and coworkers. Individuals indicated that there is also a need to improve pharmacy personnel training on how to “to de-escalate or “walk away” from abusive/aggressive patient situations.”^1,2 Additionally, there is a need to expand training for nonpharmacy management concerning assisting pharmacy staff when they encountered harassment from patients/consumers.^1,2

Individuals were asked how the negative experiences affected their overall well-being, and the common factors that influenced their well-being were increased stress and burnout, issues in family and personal relationships, and decreased feelings of happiness.²

One significant issue cited in the report indicated that several individuals who submitted workplace experiences resigned from their jobs to protect their mental health and maintain professionalism, and other individuals indicated that they considered resigning.²

The report also noted that issues that continue to be reported include a lack of staffing, deficiency of support staff, lack of training time, and an expansion in work demands and time constraints contribute to an unhealthy and unsafe work environment.² 

In a recent press release, Michael D Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, APhA executive vice president and CEO, stated, “I am greatly encouraged by everyone who has continued to make use of the PWWR tool. It is critical that folks come forward and share their experiences. APhA continues our commitment in partnering to make improvements necessary to allow pharmacists to thrive in the workplace and provide optimal patient care.”¹

In the press release, NASPA President Elise M Barry, MS, CFRE, stated, “The PWWR tool continues to serve as a sounding board for those pharmacy staff members who feel they have no other place to share their workplace concerns and frustrations. The issues raised are not new, yet many are seemingly ignored. We must do better to address these unacceptable conditions.”

Conclusion

Every day, pharmacists and pharmacy personnel dedicate themselves to providing quality care to their patients, and while it can be rewarding, it is often nonstop, fast-paced, and demanding. Additionally, the multifaceted roles in the delivery of care continue to expand. The ongoing PWWR provides pharmacists and pharmacy personnel with an excellent resource to voice their positive and negative workplace experiences and concerns while providing valuable information for all individuals working in the pharmacy setting. It also offers an opportunity for a greater understanding of issues and the ability to implement measures to identify and effectively address workplace issues. Pharmacists and pharmacy personnel must know that their work is valued and appreciated. Hopefully, the continued efforts of the PWWR will provide individuals with an avenue to discuss their frustrations and improve workplace experiences and overall well-being. To provide quality patient care, pharmacists and pharmacy personnel must remember that it is critical to implement self-care measures such as relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating a healthy, balanced diet to foster their health and well-being.   

The APhA indicates pharmacists and pharmacy personnel can submit their experiences at www.pharmacist.com/pwwr. 

References:
1.APhA and NASPA release sixth PWWR report and learnings. APhA website. Published August 23, 2023. https://www.pharmacist.com/About/Newsroom/apha-and-naspa-release-sixth-pwwr-report-and-learnings 
2.Pharmacy Workplace and Well-being Reporting (PWWR) Report VI Second Quarter 2023. https://www.pharmacist.com/DNNGlobalStorageRedirector.ashx?egsfid=RSOlQmi7aXo%3d