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Rech MA. I love clinical pharmacy practice . . . and had to leave it. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2024; 81:401-402. [PMID: 38245824 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Rech
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
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2
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Bounthavong M, Smith JP, Guerra MB, Stout MP, Chen AM, Wells DL, Almeida AG, Morillo CM, Christopher MLD. Burnout assessment among pharmacist-academic detailers at the US Veterans Health Administration. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2024:102080. [PMID: 38556245 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2024.102080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burnout among clinical pharmacist practitioners has been well established, but not among those who perform academic detailing. OBJECTIVES To measure burnout among clinical pharmacist practitioners who perform academic detailing (pharmacist-academic detailers) at the United States Veterans Health Administration and compare the findings using 2 validated burnout instruments for healthcare professionals. METHODS A cross-sectional study design was performed to measure burnout in VHA pharmacist-academic detailers across all VA regions between April 2023 and May 2023. Burnout was measured using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) and a validated single-item burnout measure (SIMB). OLBI has 2 domains (exhaustion and disengagement) and categorizes burnout into Low, Moderate, and High based on scores above or below 1 standard deviation (SD) of the mean. The validated SIMB categorized burnout as having a score of 3 or greater (range: 1-5). Interrater reliability testing between the OLBI and the SIMB at detecting burnout among pharmacist-academic detailers was performed using the kappa test. Correlation between the 2 burnout instruments was assessed using the Spearman rho test. RESULTS A total of 50 pharmacist-academic detailers completed the burnout survey. A large proportion of respondents had Moderate levels of burnout for the total (72%) burnout score, disengagement (64%) domain, and exhaustion (74%) domain. In total, 86% of pharmacist-academic detailers reported having Moderate to High levels of burnout on the total OLBI score. On the SIMB, a total of 14 (28%) pharmacist-academic detailers reported having one or more symptoms of burnout. Interrater reliability was considered poor/slight agreement between the OLBI and SIMB. Correlation between the 2 burnout instruments was considered moderately correlated (rho = 0.67, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION This study provides an empirical analysis of burnout among pharmacist-academic detailers; however, the ability to detect burnout among pharmacist-academic detailers may be impacted by the selection of burnout instrument used.
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Webb AJ, Carver B, Rowe S, Sikora A. The use of electronic health record embedded MRC-ICU as a metric for critical care pharmacist workload. JAMIA Open 2023; 6:ooad101. [PMID: 38058680 PMCID: PMC10697785 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooad101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives A lack of pharmacist-specific risk-stratification scores in the electronic health record (EHR) may limit resource optimization. The medication regimen complexity-intensive care unit (MRC-ICU) score was implemented into our center's EHR for use by clinical pharmacists. The purpose of this evaluation was to evaluate MRC-ICU as a predictor of pharmacist workload and to assess its potential as an additional dimension to traditional workload measures. Materials and methods Data were abstracted from the EHR on adult ICU patients, including MRC-ICU scores and 2 traditional measures of pharmacist workload: numbers of medication orders verified and interventions logged. This was a single-center study of an EHR-integrated MRC-ICU tool. The primary outcome was the association of MRC-ICU with institutional metrics of pharmacist workload. Associations were assessed using the initial 24-h maximum MRC-ICU score's Pearson's correlation with overall admission workload and the day-to-day association using generalized linear mixed-effects modeling. Results A total of 1205 patients over 5083 patient-days were evaluated. Baseline MRC-ICU was correlated with both cumulative order volume (Spearman's rho 0.41, P < .001) and cumulative interventions placed (Spearman's rho 0.27, P < .001). A 1-point increase in maximum daily MRC-ICU was associated with a 31% increase in order volume (95% CI, 24%-38%) and 4% increase in interventions (95% CI, 2%-5%). Discussion and conclusion The MRC-ICU is a validated score that has been previously correlated with important patient-centered outcomes. Here, MRC-ICU was modestly associated with 2 traditional objective measures of pharmacist workload, including orders verified and interventions placed, which is an important step for its use as a tool for resource utilization needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Webb
- Department of Pharmacy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States
- Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Bayleigh Carver
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Sandra Rowe
- Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Andrea Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
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4
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Wong A, Berenbrok LA, Snader L, Soh YH, Kumar VK, Javed MA, Bates DW, Sorce LR, Kane-Gill SL. Facilitators and Barriers to Interacting With Clinical Decision Support in the ICU: A Mixed-Methods Approach. Crit Care Explor 2023; 5:e0967. [PMID: 37644969 PMCID: PMC10461946 DOI: 10.1097/cce.0000000000000967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) are used in various aspects of healthcare to improve clinical decision-making, including in the ICU. However, there is growing evidence that CDSS are not used to their full potential, often resulting in alert fatigue which has been associated with patient harm. Clinicians in the ICU may be more vulnerable to desensitization of alerts than clinicians in less urgent parts of the hospital. We evaluated facilitators and barriers to appropriate CDSS interaction and provide methods to improve currently available CDSS in the ICU. DESIGN Sequential explanatory mixed-methods study design, using the BEhavior and Acceptance fRamework. SETTING International survey study. PATIENT/SUBJECTS Clinicians (pharmacists, physicians) identified via survey, with recent experience with clinical decision support. INTERVENTIONS An initial survey was developed to evaluate clinician perspectives on their interactions with CDSS. A subsequent in-depth interview was developed to further evaluate clinician (pharmacist, physician) beliefs and behaviors about CDSS. These interviews were then qualitatively analyzed to determine themes of facilitators and barriers with CDSS interactions. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A total of 48 respondents completed the initial survey (estimated response rate 15.5%). The majority believed that responding to CDSS alerts was part of their job (75%) but felt they experienced alert fatigue (56.5%). In the qualitative analysis, a total of five facilitators (patient safety, ease of response, specificity, prioritization, and feedback) and four barriers (excess quantity, work environment, difficulty in response, and irrelevance) were identified from the in-depth interviews. CONCLUSIONS In this mixed-methods survey, we identified areas that institutions should focus on to improve appropriate clinician interactions with CDSS, specific to the ICU. Tailoring of CDSS to the ICU may lead to improvement in CDSS and subsequent improved patient safety outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Wong
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Pharmacy, Boston, MA
| | | | - Lauren Snader
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Yu Hyeon Soh
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | | | - David W Bates
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Lauren R Sorce
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Chicago, IL
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5
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Sikora A. Critical Care Pharmacists: A Focus on Horizons. Crit Care Clin 2023; 39:503-527. [PMID: 37230553 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccc.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Critical care pharmacy has evolved rapidly over the last 50 years to keep pace with the rapid technological and knowledge advances that have characterized critical care medicine. The modern-day critical care pharmacist is a highly trained individual well suited for the interprofessional team-based care that critical illness necessitates. Critical care pharmacists improve patient-centered outcomes and reduce health care costs through three domains: direct patient care, indirect patient care, and professional service. Optimizing workload of critical care pharmacists, similar to the professions of medicine and nursing, is a key next step for using evidence-based medicine to improve patient-centered outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, 120 15th Street, HM-118, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; Department of Pharmacy, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA.
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6
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McQuade BM, Keller E, Elmes A, DiDomenico RJ, Jarrett JB. Stratification of burnout in
health‐system
pharmacists during the
COVID
‐19 pandemic: A focus on the ambulatory care pharmacist. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY 2022; 5:942-949. [PMID: 35942358 PMCID: PMC9349932 DOI: 10.1002/jac5.1672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Burnout is defined as high emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment from work. Prevalence of burnout among health‐system and ambulatory care pharmacists is unknown during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Objectives The purpose of this research is to analyze burnout prevalence among health‐system pharmacists (HSPs) and ambulatory care pharmacists (ACPs) using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory and Maslach Burnout Inventory. Methods An electronic survey was sent to HSPs at two academic health systems in Chicago, IL. Demographics, risk of burnout based on two validated assessments (the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory [OLBI] and the Maslach Burnout Inventory [MBI]), burnout contributors, burnout mitigation strategies, and change in burnout due to COVID‐19 were collected. Burnout was defined as meeting any one criterion for high burnout on the following dimensions: exhaustion score and disengagement on the OLBI, and emotional exhaustion and depersonalization on the MBI. The co‐primary outcomes were the prevalence of burnout among HSPs, and the comparison of ACP burnout to that of non‐ambulatory HSPs. Secondary outcomes were comparison of burnout between the OLBI and MBI assessments, conceptualization of the causes and contributors of burnout and mitigation strategies among HSPs, and the self‐perceived effect of COVID‐19 on burnout severity. Results Of the 113 pharmacists included in the study, HSP burnout prevalence as defined above was 87.6%, ACP burnout was 88.4%, and non‐ambulatory HSP burnout was 87.1%. There was no statistical difference between ACP and non‐ambulatory HSP burnout prevalence, either overall or in any specific burnout dimension. The OLBI and MBI captured similar rates of burnout. The commonly reported burnout causes were staffing and scheduling issues, precepting requirements, and patient needs. Participants' most reported coping strategies were spending time with family/friends, sleep, exercise, and recreational/relaxation activities. A majority of HSPs (78.2%) reported higher levels of burnout due to COVID‐19. Conclusion HSP burnout during COVID‐19 pandemic is higher than cited in the pre‐COVID literature. Individual coping strategies are poor buffers for work‐related burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eden Keller
- University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Abigail Elmes
- University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy Chicago Illinois USA
| | | | - Jennie B. Jarrett
- University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy Chicago Illinois USA
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7
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Rux CE, Paloucek FP, Jarrett JB. The pursuit of sustainable excellence: A worthy challenge, but difficult for trainees. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2022; 79:1409-1410. [DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxac160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Disclaimer
In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb E Rux
- University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood St, MC 886 , Chicago, US
| | - Frank P Paloucek
- University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood St, MC 886 , Chicago, US
| | - Jennie B Jarrett
- University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood St, MC 886 , Chicago, US
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8
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Murray B, Sikora A. Teaching the pursuit of sustainable excellence. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2022; 79:1406-1409. [PMID: 35670475 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxac159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Murray
- Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Andrea Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA.,Department of Pharmacy, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
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9
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Eltorki Y, Abdallah O, Riaz S, Mahmoud S, Saad M, Ez-Eldeen N, Ashraf A, Al-Hamoud E, Al-Khuzaei N, Ghuloum S. Burnout among pharmacy professionals in Qatar: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267438. [PMID: 35511925 PMCID: PMC9071121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pharmacists’ roles and responsibilities have expanded in the modern pharmacy profession, and the expectations from pharmacists have increased. This has been associated with new psychological challenges and emotional stress that can induce burnout. Objective To determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome and factors associated with burnout among pharmacy professionals in the healthcare system in Qatar. Methods This institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 850 pharmacy professionals within Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar. Convenience sampling was followed. The survey utilized the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) Toolkit™ for Medical Personnel and a modified version of the Astudillo and Mendinueta questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 16 for Windows and SAS Studio 3.8 (Enterprise Edition). P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results One hundred ninety-four pharmacy professionals (23%) responded to the survey. The prevalence of burnout was 19.7% [95% Confidence interval (CI); 13.8% - 26.8%] among 142 respondents who completed MBI questionnaire and 17.3% [95% CI; 11.7%-24.2%] among 139 respondents who completed Astudillo Mendinueta questionnaire. The most commonly reported factors that may lead to burnout were: tension and lack of organization in teamwork (59.6%), lack of recognition of or indifference to effort from patients, superiors, and colleagues (58.2%), and demanding and challenging patients and family members (56.7%). Multiple regression analysis showed that overtime working hours per month is independently associated with a higher risk of burnout [odds ratio (OR), 1.57; 95% CI, 1.15–2.14 for each 10-hours increase in monthly overtime, P = 0.005], while non-Arab ethnicity is associated with lower risk of burnout [OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.1–0.75; P = 0.012]. Conclusions There is a relatively low prevalence of burnout syndrome among health-system pharmacy professionals in Qatar. Overtime working hours and Arab ethnicity are independently associated with burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassin Eltorki
- Pharmacy Department, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Oraib Abdallah
- Pharmacy Department, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sadaf Riaz
- Pharmacy Department, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara Mahmoud
- Pharmacy Department, Al-Wakra Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Saad
- Pharmacy Department, Al-Wakra Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- * E-mail:
| | - Nosyba Ez-Eldeen
- Pharmacy Department, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - AbdulAhad Ashraf
- Pharmacy Department, Hamad bin Khalifa Medical City, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Eman Al-Hamoud
- Pharmacy Department, Al-Wakra Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Noriya Al-Khuzaei
- Pharmacy Department, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Suhaila Ghuloum
- Psychiatry Department, Mental Health Services, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Psychiatry Department, Weill Cornell Medicine—Qatar, Doha, Qatar
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10
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Abstract
Disclaimer
In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Smith
- Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Brian Murray
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Andrea Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
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11
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Crafford L, Wouters A, Bronkhorst E, Gous AGS, Kusurkar RA. Exploring Factors Associated With the Motivation of Clinical Pharmacists: A Focus on the South African Context. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:747348. [PMID: 34888322 PMCID: PMC8650006 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.747348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pharmacy practice in many middle to low-income countries has slowly transitioned from being product-focused to a more patient-focused clinical practice. Lack of motivation is one of the factors contributing to the scarcity of pharmacists in the wards. As little is known about motivation in clinical pharmacists, this study aimed to obtain insight into the quantity and quality of their work motivation and factors associated with it. Methods: Self-determination Theory, used as the framework, describes autonomous motivation as being generated from within or through personal endorsement and controlled motivation as originating from external factors. An online questionnaire including the Academic Motivation Scale to measure autonomous motivation, controlled motivation and amotivation, was sent to clinical pharmacy graduates from 2000 to 2020 across South Africa, followed by interviews to explain some results. Independent t-test was used to analyze differences in motivation of clinical pharmacists to perform clinical services based on personal and environmental factors. Interview data were transcribed and analyzed to explain significant quantitative findings. Results: Higher amotivation was found in graduates who are currently not practicing in dedicated clinical pharmacist positions, as well as in graduates who do not receive additional financial benefits for clinical services. We found no significant differences in the work motivation of clinical pharmacists based on their gender, age, current practice setting, work experience and additional training received. The interviews revealed that relatedness and autonomy are the most important factors for clinical pharmacists' work motivation. Discussion: Overall participants had a high mean autonomous motivation, a high mean controlled motivation and low mean amotivation. In line with Self-determination Theory literature, considering the basic psychological needs for relatedness and autonomy could assist with designing interventions, like creating a supportive work environment, to optimize motivation. This could improve professional wellbeing, service implementation and prevent possible adverse events. Future research is necessary to understand barriers and facilitators of clinical pharmacists' work motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucille Crafford
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa.,Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Research in Education, Faculty of Medicine Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anouk Wouters
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Research in Education, Faculty of Medicine Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,LEARN! Research Institute for Learning and Education, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Elmien Bronkhorst
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Andries G S Gous
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Rashmi A Kusurkar
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Research in Education, Faculty of Medicine Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,LEARN! Research Institute for Learning and Education, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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12
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Forehand CC, Fitton K, Keats K, Chase A, Smith SE, Sikora Newsome A. Productivity Tracking: A Survey of Critical Care Pharmacist Practices and Satisfaction. Hosp Pharm 2021; 57:273-280. [PMID: 35601725 PMCID: PMC9117783 DOI: 10.1177/00185787211024209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The position paper on critical care pharmacy services describes two tiers of responsibilities: essential and desirable activities. Activities are categorized into five domains: patient care, quality improvement, research and scholarship, training and education, and professional development. Documentation of these activities can be important for justifying pharmacist positions, comparing pharmacy practice models, conducting performance evaluations, and tracking individual workload; however, limited recommendations are provided for standardized productivity tracking, and national practices remain largely uncharacterized. Objectives: The purpose of this survey was to describe documentation practices of critical care pharmacist activities. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed via email to 1694 members of the ACCP critical care practice research network. The survey asked respondents to describe the methods used to document productivity as it relates to the 5 domains. Results: Seventy-nine (4.7%) critical care pharmacists from 63 institutions completed the survey. Intervention documentation was used for position justification and annual reviews among 54.4% and 44.1% of pharmacists, respectively. Pharmacists were routinely expected to perform additional responsibilities beyond patient care that contribute to overall productivity, but the percentage of institutions that track these activities as a measure of pharmacist productivity was relatively low: quality improvement (46%), research/scholarship (29%), training/education (38%), and professional development (27%). Documentation of these additional responsibilities and activities was primarily used for annual evaluations, but the majority of respondents answered that no standardized method for tracking activities existed. In multivariate regression, dedicated ICU pharmacists was a significant predictor for increased satisfaction (Exp(ß) 4.498, 95% CI 1.054-19.187, P = .042). Conclusion: Practice variation exists in how and for what intent critical care pharmacists track productivity. Further evaluation and standardization of productivity tracking may aid in position justification and practice model evaluation for dedicated ICU pharmacists in today’s value-based era.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathryn Fitton
- University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Kelli Keats
- Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
- University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Aaron Chase
- Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
- University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Susan E. Smith
- University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Andrea Sikora Newsome
- Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
- University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA
- Andrea Sikora Newsome, Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, 120 15th Street, HM-118, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
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