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Pharmacists’ Views on Self Care: Finding a Balance Between Work and Health
Every day, pharmacists in various health care settings have multiple duties that are integral to the delivery of quality health care. They utilize their drug expertise to make clinical recommendations regarding prescription and nonprescription drugs. Pharmacists also provide valuable patient care services by promoting the safe and proper use of medication via preparation and dispensing; educating patients; monitoring routinely; working in collaboration with other health care providers; and administering vaccinations. The list of vital clinical and administrative duties that pharmacists perform daily is endless, and these duties often go unrecognized.
Numerous publications have documented the importance of health and well being among health care professionals, as well as the negative impact of stress and burnout. For example, in a publication in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice,1 authors found that during the pandemic, pharmacists experienced increases in the number of patients seen, the amount of screening and triage, the amount of COVID-19 information being delivered, the number of medication shortages, and the incidence of workplace harassment. As a result of more work demands, pharmacists experienced a negative impact on their mental health and well-being due to added stress, burden, and frustration.
In a recent online survey2 conducted by Pharmavite which included 275 pharmacists who worked in retail or hospital settings, 62% of surveyed pharmacists reported the increased work demands during the pandemic were a primary obstacle to self-care, and 30% of pharmacists reported they were taking worse care of themselves due to augmented demand when compared to the prepandemic period. Additionally, 8 in 10 pharmacists reported daily vitamin supplementation was a vital component of their own routine to maintain their overall health.
In my conversations with other pharmacists, some have shared their own experiences and the measures they employ to monitor and maintain their overall health and well-being. Below are a few statements from pharmacists regarding self-care and wellness:
“As a retail pharmacist, my workdays are often unpredictable. Most of the time, there is a steady influx of patients who all want their prescriptions and vaccinations at the same time, and the phones are ringing constantly. As one who suffers with hypertension, the stresses of retail pharmacy can sometimes be overwhelming, and I often forget to take a deep breath and just destress. I am so focused on doing my job that I often forget to take care of myself. At my last check-up, my pressure was very elevated, and a new drug was added to lower my blood pressure. That was indeed a wake-up call for me to take care of myself too. I think that often people take their health for granted until they are faced with a health issue. Prevention is the key.”—A retail pharmacist
“Due to the recent increases in hospitalizations due to RSV, influenza, and ongoing COVID-19 viruses, workloads have been non-stop, stressful, and demanding. Drug shortages have added to stresses as well. Our supervisor encourages the pharmacy employees to take our lunch breaks away from the pharmacy just to unwind. Overall, I am in good health and try to maintain routine preventive health care. I know that I need to be at my best to do my job and I try to take care of myself. I try to take nutritional supplements daily to boost my immune system and try to make time to exercise every day, but there are some days when I am too tired when I get home. I know that I need to make my health a top priority.”—A hospital pharmacist
“Retail pharmacy is often very busy and while many patients are understanding and kind, we occasionally encounter the rude and demanding patient which adds more stress. At the end of my shift, I am often so tired that I don’t always eat right and end up eating an unhealthy snack, and often don’t get enough sleep and/or do not sleep well. During my recent physical, I discovered that my HbA1C was in the prediabetes stage and did not know that my blood pressure was elevated until I started getting headaches. That experience caused me to step back and reassess my health and to take steps to get my HBA1C level and blood pressure back to normal levels. I am making sure that I take care of myself so I can continue to provide quality care to my patients.”—A retail pharmacist
“Recently, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, and this diagnosis has made me appreciate the importance of being proactive about my health. While I don’t like to take medication, I know that it is important to treat my condition and to better my health. I am more focused on my health and taking a proactive approach by eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising daily. I hope that during patient counseling, I can be more empathetic to patients because I now can relate to dealing with health issues. I hope I can remind patients about the value of adherence to prescribed medication and the significance of routine and preventive health care.”—A hospital pharmacist
Conclusion
Due to increased awareness about stress and burnout, several professional organizations including the American Pharmacists Association have recommended resources and strategies to promote overall health and well-being. More information about self-care, workplace well-being, stress and burnout can be found on the American Pharmacists Association website and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy website.
Every day, pharmacists dedicate themselves to providing quality health care to patients, so it is essential that pharmacists remember to do the same for themselves. Taking the time to monitor and maintain your health is of utmost importance because pharmacists are INDISPENSABLE. To my fellow pharmacists, THANK YOU for all that you do and remember to incorporate self-care measures into your daily routine to maintain your own health.
References:
- Elbeddini A, Wen CX, Tayefehchamani Y, To A. Mental health issues impacting pharmacists during COVID-19. J Pharm Policy Pract. 2020;13(4). doi:10.1186/s40545-020-00252-0
- New research from Pharmavite points to a decline in self-care for pharmacists. News release. Pharmavite; June 22, 2021. Accessed December 22, 2022. https://www.pharmavite.com/perspectives/news/new-research-from-pharmavite-points-to-a-decline-in-self-care-for-pharmacists/
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