Job satisfaction, work commitment and intention to leave among pharmacists: a cross-sectional study

A systematic review of the determinants of job satisfaction in healthcare workers in health facilities in Gulf Cooperation Council countries

Job satisfaction among healthcare workers is essential for maintaining high-quality care. Previous research has shown different levels of job satisfaction, but there is no comprehensive list of determinants of job satisfaction among healthcare workers. This study aims to provide a comprehensive list of determinants of job satisfaction in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar). A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across five databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and review using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) quality assessment checklist. The review was undertaken between 1 January 2012 and 4 November 2022. Five hundred titles and abstracts were screened, yielding 73 eligible studies for inclusion in this review. Of the included studies, 60 were carried out in Saudi Arabia (82.2%), six in Oman (8.2%), three in Qatar (4.1%), two in the United Arab Emirates (2.7%), one in Kuwait (1.4%), and one in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (1.4%). The analysis identified 14 key determinants of job satisfaction among healthcare workers in GCC: pay, promotion, co-workers, supervision, fringe benefits, contingent rewards, operating conditions, nature of work, communication, workload, leadership style, relation with patients, demographic variables, and others, such as hospital type. Thus, our study expands on Spector's nine determinants model of job satisfaction, hence providing a wider and more detail insight into job satisfaction in workplace.

Pharmacy workforce: a systematic review of key drivers of pharmacists' satisfaction and retention

Background

Pharmacy workforces are central to healthcare systems, yet the profession faces challenges in job satisfaction and retention due to evolving roles, workload pressures, and other issues. Understanding workforce stability is crucial for optimising pharmacy services.

Objective

This systematic review aimed to identify and analyze the critical factors impacting pharmacy staff job satisfaction and retention, providing actionable insights to improve workforce stability and long-term engagement in the profession.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), covering broad academic databases including EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and the supplementary use of Google Scholar for studies published between 2019 and 2024. The quality of the included articles was evaluated, revealing a generally low to moderate risk of bias.

Results

The review synthesised findings from 81 studies and extracted ten relevant themes. Countries including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia countries contributed most frequently, highlighting regional research diversity. Key factors influencing job satisfaction included burnout, stress, and workload (24%); work conditions and roles (22%); professional development (14%); earnings and benefits (10%); and leadership support (9%).

Conclusion

With a global perspective that travels across 36 countries in five continents, this study is the latest in-depth analysis of factors influencing job satisfaction in the pharmacy workforce. This review emphasises the need for policy reforms and further research on workplace conditions in different locations. It provides insights for policymakers and healthcare leaders to enhance the pharmacy workforce's strategic support and engagement initiatives.

Exploration of Challenges and Opportunities for Good Pharmacy Practices in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

In 2015, the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) of Bangladesh accredited model pharmacies (MPs) to enhance the quality of pharmacy services across the country. We examined the challenges and opportunities for pharmacists in MPs, and also explored the perspectives of the pharmacy stakeholders for improving good pharmacy practices (GPPs) in Bangladesh.

METHODS

In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with graduate pharmacists (Grade A) and diploma pharmacists (Grade B) recruited from a few selected MPs that were included in a previous study. Key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with the government and non-government stakeholders who were involved in pharmacy regulations and practices. Trained qualitative researchers conducted IDIs and KIIs using interview topic guides under relevant themes developed by the study investigators.

RESULTS

Between February and March 2021, nine Grade A and six Grade B pharmacists and nine government and non-government stakeholders were interviewed. The key challenges, as well as demotivational factors, for Grade A pharmacists were reported to be multiple responsibilities, inadequate salary, poor social status, an unfavorable working environment, long working hours, a lack of recognition, and low respect for their profession. However, Grade B pharmacists expressed job satisfaction, primarily due to working opportunities in reputable pharmacies and learning opportunities. The stakeholders reported a high operation cost of the MPs, a shortage of trained pharmacists, poor salary structures, and a lack of public awareness about the critical roles of the pharmacists in healthcare to be challenges of retaining Grade A pharmacists at the MPs. Addressing the challenges of the pharmacists and revising compensation packages along with strengthening monitoring systems would be important for improving GPPs at the MPs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has demonstrated that specifying the roles of the pharmacists, offering competitive packages, conducive working hours, and professional recognition would be imperative for the retention of trained pharmacists at MPs. Implementing regulatory standards and monitoring performance would enhance good pharmacy practices in Bangladesh.

Related factors of turnover intention among general practitioners: a cross-sectional study in 6 provinces of China

BACKGROUND

Turnover among general practitioners (GPs) is an issue of growing concern. Therefore, identification of the variables which associated with GPs' decision in staying in or leaving their employer institutions is necessary.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between work stress, job satisfaction, and turnover intention, and explore factors associated with turnover intention of GPs in China.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among GPs in 6 provinces in China, utilizing a combination of stratified and purposive sampling methods, from April to October 2019. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and scales measuring their demographic characteristics, work stress, job satisfaction, and turnover intention. Statistical methods such as t test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple linear regression, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used.

RESULTS

Out of 386 GPs, 10.4% had higher turnover intention and 31.9% had medium turnover intention. The mean score of the overall perception of turnover intention of GPs was 2.24 on a scale ranging from 1 to 6. Over 80.0% of GPs had moderate to high level work stress. The facets that GPs were most dissatisfied were payment, welfare, training opportunity and career development. professional title, practicing setting, and work intensity associated with turnover intention (P < 0.05) significantly. Work stress, not only directly associated with turnover intention (β = 0.608, P < 0.001), but also presented an indirect association on turnover intention through job satisfaction (β = 0.042, P < 0.05). Meanwhile, job satisfaction also had a direct negative effect on turnover intention (β=-0.345, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Work stress, job satisfaction, professional title, practicing setting, and work intensity were influencing factors on turnover intention in Chinese GPs. Work stress had not only positive direct effects on turnover intention, but also had an indirect effect on turnover intention through job satisfaction as a mediator. Reducing workload, raising income, providing more opportunities for training and career development could potentially contribute to retaining and attracting GPs.

Job Satisfaction and Associated Factors Among Public and Private Pharmacy Professionals in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

The quality of the healthcare system and the achievement of specific patient outcomes rely on the contentment of pharmacy experts working in both public and private pharmacies. This study aims to evaluate and compare the levels of job satisfaction among pharmacy professionals employed in public and private medication retail outlets in Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess job satisfaction and associated factors among pharmacy professionals in public and private pharmacies in Gondar town from July 20 to August 1, 2022. All pharmacy professionals were included in the study and no sample size was calculated. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with job satisfaction and a p < 0.05 was considered significant with 95% CI.

Result

A total of 217 private and public pharmacy professionals were included in the study, and 183 volunteered to participate with a response rate of 84%. Among the study participants, 52.5% were dissatisfied with their job. The majority of the respondents (92.3%) believed that the job has a good future, 72% of them received good recognition from the community for their job and more than half (57.3%) received a good salary. Private pharmacy workers were found to be more satisfied than public pharmacy workers (AOR: 2.770), pharmacy professionals who had good salaries and benefits, (AOR: 0.302), and individuals who were closeness of their workplace to home (AOR: 0.298) were significantly associated with job satisfaction levels.

Conclusion

In this study, more than half of participants were disatisfied with their job. Pharmacy professionals working in private medication retail outlets, who had good salaries and benefits, and lived close to their homes were significantly associated with job satisfaction levels.

Intention to leave the current health facility among healthcare workers in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Strengthening workforce management to address retention challenges is worldwide concern. Ethiopia did different human resource reforms to improve retention and performance of available health workforce to step up towards universal health coverage. However, there is limited and fragmented research on intention to leave their current facility and related factors on health workers. This review was done to assess pooled national prevalence of intention to leave their current health facility and related factors among Ethiopian health workers.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. Authors prepared a review protocol per Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) manual for evidence synthesis and got registered from PROSPERO for transparency. The authors conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Google Scholar and African Index Medicus databases and grey literature like WHO library from 8 June 2022 to 30 May 2023. Pooled prevalence of intention to leave current health facility and related factors was computed using MedCalk, Meta Essentials and R software. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's test and a funnel plot.

RESULTS

Pooled prevalence of intention to leave among health workers in Ethiopian healthcare setting was found to be 63.52% (95% CI (58.606-67.904)) for random effects model at Q = 141.5689 (I2(inconsistency) = 90.82%, P < 0.0001). Only organizational justice OR = 0.29 (0.14-0.61) was found to be a significantly associated factor for health workers' intention to leave their current healthcare setting in Ethiopia.

CONCLUSION

More than 6 in 10 of the health workers in Ethiopia were ready to leave their current healthcare facility. This result was higher than studies done in other parts of the world, even in African countries. The associated factor for health workers' intention to leave their current health facility was only organizational justice. So, health authorities should improve their organizational justice to retain their employees.

Burnout assessment among pharmacist-academic detailers at the US Veterans Health Administration

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.

A narrative review of the well-being and burnout of U.S. community pharmacists

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the literature on well-being and burnout among community pharmacists in the U.S. and provide recommendations for future research.

METHODS

Relevant literature was identified by searching PubMed for combinations of keywords such as "burnout" and "well-being" combined with "pharmacists." Titles and abstracts were reviewed for relevancy, and full text articles were reviewed when applicable.

RESULTS

While burnout is defined by its 3 core symptoms of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment, well-being is more challenging to define and measure, which has led to it being less studied. Community pharmacists faced high rates of burnout, low quality of life (QOL), and extreme fatigue prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a situation that has likely only worsened. Factors such as workload, the type of community pharmacy, the level of education or training of the pharmacist, and stress may be some of the contributors to high rates of burnout. Clinician burnout may be related to high rates of mental health disorders seen in pharmacists, may impact patient safety and satisfaction, and may affect productivity and costs to employers and the healthcare system overall. There has been no research into interventions or strategies to support well-being and reduce burnout among community pharmacists, but having a workplace that is perceived as supporting well-being may have some impact. Recommendations for future research include the following: (1) define well-being, (2) explore why various factors support well-being or contribute to burnout, (3) determine the impact of community pharmacists experiencing well-being or burnout, and (4) develop strategies to support well-being and reduce burnout that are specific to community pharmacy.

CONCLUSION

There is a sparsity of evidence regarding community pharmacist well-being and burnout. Further research is needed to generate the evidence needed to support interventions that are specific to the unique work setting of community pharmacists.

Occupational survey of the educational outputs of the first established program of cardiac technology speciality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2013-2022): A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The demand for qualified cardiac technology (CT) graduates is increasing in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to provide the first descriptive occupational survey of the educational outputs of the first established CT speciality program in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the past 10 years.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, survey-based study. An online self-administered survey was distributed to all alumni who graduated from the CT program between 2013 and 2022 at the Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University (IAU) in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS

Of the 238 graduates, 164 completed the survey (72.2%). All the respondents (100%) were women, 56% were aged 25-30 years, 58.5% were married, the majority (95.7%) held a bachelor's degree, and (93.3%) lived in the eastern region. Of the respondents, 33.7% specialised in cardiac catheterisation and 66.3% in echocardiography. Of those, 66.4% were employed, which was similar between both subspecialties and predominantly in the Eastern region (83.9%). A total of 57.9% of participants attributed the reason for unemployment to limited opportunities in the Eastern province (vs. 15.8% across the country). A total of 76.6% of the respondents reported that most job opportunities were in the Central region (Riyadh). The main barriers and limitations to unemployment reported by the alumni were the need for childcare assistance, further training, and poor job search/interview skills. Of the respondents, 42% expressed a desire to change their career path because of limited job opportunities (10.7%) followed by a change in career interest post-graduation (7.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

The employment rate of IAU CT alumni was high (66.4%) and predominantly based in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia, and 42% expressed a desire to change their career path due to limited regional job opportunities. The findings from this study will help inform the future of speciality across the kingdom and shape the potential for expansion.

Empowering Sustainable Growth and Workforce: Unveiling Challenges and Strategies for Retaining Community Pharmacists in Malaysia

BACKGROUND

Community pharmacists face challenges in job retention due to compensation, work-life balance, and career growth concerns. With pharmacists' evolving roles in healthcare, retaining them becomes crucial for maintaining quality service. Addressing their needs is vital for a skilled healthcare workforce. This study evaluates job retention among community pharmacists, considering various workforce management domains and demographic characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was employed with a self-administered questionnaire among community pharmacists in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia. Spearman's correlations and ordinal logistic regression analysed job retention relationships with workforce domains and predicted the demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 414 participants attempted the survey, of which 311 completed the study. Strong correlations linked job retention with value, trust, and work-life balance. Female pharmacists had higher retention odds, while younger pharmacists had lower retention odds. Pharmacists with over 10 years of experience showed higher retention odds.

DISCUSSION

'Value and trust' and 'work-life balance' were pivotal for the job retention of community pharmacists. Strategies boosting value, trust, and work-life balance was vital. Gender, age, and experience also predicted job retention.

CONCLUSIONS

Cultivating trust, valuing contributions, and providing a work-life balance can enhance job retention and commitment.

Comparing Job Satisfaction Among Healthcare Workers at Emergency Departments and Primary Healthcare Units During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background The primary healthcare professionals' work description changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as was the case of all other healthcare departmental operation systems. Objectives This investigation compares job satisfaction between emergency department (ED) and primary healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic to ascertain the possible effect of the pandemic on healthcare providers. Methods A cross-sectional online self-assessment questionnaire consisting of 36 questions was distributed using available social media to target all frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) in emergency departments and primary healthcare centres in Riyadh. The inclusive criterion was that the respondents should have been frontline HCWs during the pandemic era. The questionnaire was validated by a pre-test of responses of 10 frontline HCWs. This was to ensure the comprehensibility and validity of the questions. Thereafter, necessary corrections were made to the final questionnaire. Responses were collected with an Excel sheet (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA), while data were analysed with SPSS version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) and GraphPad Prism version 9.2.0 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA). Results The targeted sample size was 400; however, 159 HCWs responded to the questionnaire and were thus included in the investigation. There were more male (60.4%) than female (39.6%) respondents, the majority of whom were Saudi nationals (86.6%) while the remaining were non-Saudi nationals working in the Kingdom. Also, 67% of the respondents were emergency medical service professionals while the remaining (23%) were primary healthcare professionals. Significantly, 71.8% of the respondents (p < 0.05) disagreed with adequate enumeration, rewards, and chances of promotion compared to those who agreed (28.2%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Job satisfaction was not significantly correlated to gender or the work departments (p > 0.05). Respondents significantly (p < 0.05) agreed to the competence of their supervisors, and liked their colleagues and work environment. Conclusion The study has shown that although supervision during the pandemic era was with competence; however, hours of work put in by these frontline emergency professionals were not adequately remunerated. Also, the services they provide seemed not to have been appreciated and hence did not lead to promotion either. Therefore, there was job satisfaction. As expected, the workload was huge while chances of promotion were lacking. These observations could lead to a substandard service should there be another pandemic. There is a need for all stakeholders to look into this more cautiously should there be another pandemic.

Which aspects of job determine satisfaction among pharmacists working in Saudi pharmacy settings?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of several employment-related aspects on overall job satisfaction among pharmacists working in Saudi pharmacy settings.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted for a period of 1-month (December 2020) among pharmacists working in community pharmacies located in 3 cities of Saudi Arabia. Convenience sampling was employed, and the data was collected using the English version of Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS) questionnaire. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics such as mean ([Formula: see text]) and 95% confidence interval range were used to report continuous data; frequency (%) and sample counts (N) were used to report categorical data. Bivariate analyses were conducted using chi square (χ2) test. A multiple linear regression model was formulated to report the employment aspects that determined overall job satisfaction of pharmacists. The study was approved by an ethics committee.

RESULTS

A total of 241 samples were analyzed. Less than a quarter of pharmacists (N = 54, 22.4%) were satisfied with their job. The overall job satisfaction score was 130.74 out of 199. The sub-scales for co-workers and communication had scores > 15.8 out of 24; subscale for operating conditions had score > 12.5 out of 20. The subscales for promotion and rewards had scores < 14 out of 24. The aspects of communication, fringe benefits and nature of work had the highest contribution towards overall job satisfaction. For a unit increase in score for communication, fringe benefits, and nature of work, the overall job satisfaction score increased by 0.204, 0.2, and 0.199, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A very small number of pharmacists seemed satisfied with their job. Satisfaction with communication, nature of work and fringe benefits contributed the most toward overall job satisfaction. Results of this study could provide the means for human resource managers and organizational policy makers to delve into the determinants of satisfaction among pharmacists working in community settings.

Examining Pharmacy Alumni's Perceptions of Job Satisfaction, Achievements, and Preparedness: A Mixed-Methods Study

OBJECTIVES

There is a scarcity of research that holistically explores pharmacy alumni's employment experience and their professional performance. Job satisfaction is linked to professionals' productivity and their educational preparedness. This study aimed to explore the professional experiences of the College of Pharmacy-Qatar University alumni.

METHODS

A convergent mixed-methods design was utilized to examine the alumni's perceptions of job satisfaction, achievements in the workplace, and preparedness for practice through both quantitative and qualitative approaches. This study involved the administration of a pre-tested online questionnaire among all alumni (n = 214) and the conduction of 7 focus groups of which the participants were selected from a heterogeneous purposive sample (n = 87). Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory was applied in both approaches.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-six alumni completed the questionnaire (response rate = 63.6%), and 40 alumni attended the focus groups. A good level of job satisfaction was shown (median score = 30 [IQR = 12], [out of 48]). Sources of job satisfaction and dissatisfaction were recognition and limited opportunities for professional growth, respectively. Also, good satisfaction was revealed (median score = 20 [IQR = 21], [out of 56]) with the alumni's ability to attain several achievements (eg, developing pharmacy-related services), which allowed for career success. Moreover, fair agreement concerning the adequacy of the preparedness for practice was indicated (eg, being care providers) (mean = 37 [SD = 7.5], [out of 52]). However, certain aspects, such as the enhancement of non-clinical knowledge, warranted further improvement.

CONCLUSION

Overall, pharmacy alumni had positive perceptions of their professional experiences. However, alumni's excellence in different pharmacy career prospects needs to be supported throughout their learning experience.

The association of management and leadership competencies with work satisfaction among pharmacists in Lebanon

BACKGROUND

Pharmacists are at the core of the healthcare system and are the most accessible healthcare professionals. Their new roles involve leadership skills, among others. Work satisfaction of pharmacists might affect the quality of the services they provide. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate the management/leadership skills and work satisfaction of pharmacists and working pharmacy students. The secondary objective was to establish the relationship between management/leadership competencies and work satisfaction.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study enrolled 415 Lebanese pharmacists and fifth-year pharmacy students (undergraduates) working in different pharmacy sectors across Lebanon from August 2021 through October 2021 using the snowball sampling technique and validated tools to assess management/leadership competencies and work satisfaction.

RESULTS

Management/leadership competencies were significantly correlated with work satisfaction (B = 0.288) and inversely associated with being engaged/married (B = - 2.825) and living outside Beirut or Mount Lebanon (B = - 1.873). Pharmacy students did not significantly differ in their leadership/management level from graduate pharmacists. Work satisfaction was significantly associated with management/leadership competencies (B = 0.062) and inversely related to education level (B = - 0.644).

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacists' work satisfaction and management/leadership competencies are interrelated, although the level of satisfaction seemed lower than the declared level of competencies. These concepts are differentially affected by personal and work-related characteristics. More efforts should be exerted to improve both the satisfaction and management/leadership competencies of pharmacists in Lebanon.

A survival analysis approach to determine factors associated with non-retention of newly hired health workers in Iran

BACKGROUND AND AIM

One of the main tasks of the healthcare human resource management is to maintain and retain professional staff. The high level turnover of professional staff may reduce the quality of healthcare service delivery. Therefore, this study investigated the factors associated with the turnover of the newly recruited healthcare professionals using survival analysis method in Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This historical cohort analysis comprised 6811 employees who began working at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences between 2005 and 2020. Employees recruited at any of the university's units between the years 2005 to 2019 were included. We used appropriate descriptive indices and Log-rank test and the Cox proportional-hazards model to assess the staff turnover. A significance level of 0.05 was used for all tests.

RESULTS

The findings of the survival analysis showed that the probability of turnover in one year, two years, and five years of employment were 0.12, 0.16, and 0.27. Based on the findings of the Log-rank test, the probability of turnover in entire of the study period was not statistically different between male and female (p = 0.573), and likewise between employees with healthcare occupations and non-healthcare occupations (p = 0.351). Employees whose current workplace and birthplace were not similar had a significantly higher probability of turnover (p < 0.001). Accordingly, the Cox regression result showed, the risk of turnover for the singles was 1.22 times higher than the married. For the Ph.D degree was 3.23 times higher compared to those with a diploma or an associate degree, and for a bachelor's or master's degree was 2.06 times more likely to change their workplace than those with a diploma or an associate degree.

CONCLUSION

Policies promoting the recruitment of native-born professionals, given priority to the married candidates than single ones, and/or recurring candidates to pledge to stay in the locality of recruitment site can increase the staff retention and reduce the costs of staff turnover including re-hiring, initial and on-the-job training, accommodation, and other extra living consumptions away from home and family.

A cross-sectional study on Saudi pharmacists working as medical representatives: What attracted them and what is keeping them in this sector—Misconceptions and reality

Background

The government in Saudi Arabia issued a labor reform initiative to renationalize the pharmacy profession in pharmaceutical companies to generate more employment for Saudi pharmacists. Considering the nationalization of the pharmacy workforce employed in this sector, as well as the pharmacists' preferences toward working in this setting, the current study was conducted determine the reasons to choose this career pathway, to clarify the common misconceptions about this sector and to assess job satisfaction, work commitment, and intentions to leave.

Methods

An online self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from pharmacists working as medical representatives across Saudi Arabia. A total of 133 medical representatives participated in the study.

Results

The main factors that motivated study participants to join this sector included performing a socially important job, receiving a high salary, and further career development. The common misconceptions about the sector, such as lacking honor and value and considering commercial values to be accepted, were found to be incorrect by the medical representatives. A high job satisfaction level, high work commitment, and low intentions to leave the sector were reported by participants.

Conclusion

Working as a medical representative in a pharmaceutical company is an appealing career choice that fulfills pharmacists' career ambitions and may help in creating more jobs for the increasing numbers of pharmacy graduates.

What drives job satisfaction among community pharmacists? An application of relative importance analysis

Background

Pharmacy employers want to improve pharmacists' job satisfaction, but ratings of job satisfaction are highly subjective, as evaluating job satisfaction involves weighing simultaneously the importance of multiple correlated determinants that are often perceived unequally.

Objectives

To 1) describe the application of relative importance analysis in estimating the predictive ability of correlated determinants of job satisfaction, and to rank the determinants in order of relative importance, and 2) explore how the perceived relative importance of job satisfaction predictors may vary across community pharmacists' age, gender, and work setting categories.

Methods

Data were obtained from the 2019 National Pharmacy Workforce Survey administered to 96,110 licensed U.S. pharmacists. Multiple regression analysis (MR) and relative weight analysis (RWA) were used to assess the predictive ability of determinants to explain pharmacists' job satisfaction. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore variations in the perceived relative importance of predictors across pharmacists' age, gender and work setting categories.

Results

Over the entire sample of community pharmacists, no personal experience of workplace discrimination [RW = 0.0613, rank = 1] and less reported engagement in advanced dispensing activities [RW = 0.0235, rank = 2] were most associated with greater job satisfaction, as both predictors jointly accounted for 67.5% of the predicted criterion variance (R ²). Pharmacists' compensation was observed to have the lowest perceived relative importance for predicting job satisfaction [RW = 0.0005, rank = 6], accounting for 0.5% of R ². Between-group comparisons showed that, no personal experience of workplace discrimination had the highest perceived relative importance for job satisfaction across pharmacists' age groups, among women, and across most work settings except small chain pharmacies. Within-group comparisons showed that pharmacists' compensation was significantly more important than professional interactions (Δ_RW(PC-PPI) 0.2900 [0.0637, 0.5360]) for job satisfaction among pharmacists in large chain pharmacies, while patient-care services was significantly more important than compensation for job satisfaction in independent (Δ_RW(PPS-PC) 0.1761 [0.0017, 0.5980]) and health system retail pharmacists (Δ_RW(PPS-PC) 0.4190 [0.0444, 0.8303]).

Conclusions

Relative importance analysis corroborated multiple regression and provided a more interpretable presentation of variable influence on community pharmacists job satisfaction as the importance of personal and workplace characteristics in how pharmacists evaluate their job satisfaction varied across age, gender and work setting categories.

Factors Impacting Job Satisfaction among Pharmacists in the Arab World: A Qualitative Study

Purpose

This study was undertaken to investigate in-depth the factors impacting job satisfaction among pharmacists in the Arab world and the challenges they encounter in their career path. The outcome of this study should help the local policymakers to take corrective actions to improve pharmacist's satisfaction and therefore enhance quality of patient care.

Method

This qualitative study collected responses of pharmacists from 12 Arab countries, as part of a large quantitative survey. Participants added comments to an optional open-ended question regarding work satisfaction. The Qualtrics Survey Software was used to collect the responses. The survey was distributed from March to May 2021 through multiple online channels for filling. The responses collected were analysed to develop themes. An inductive constructivist approach was used for the conceptual thematic analysis as the methodological orientation.

Results

A total of 110 responses/comments were received from the study participants. The two largest practice settings of the participants were from hospitals (44.5%) and community pharmacies (28.2%). Almost 40% of responses came from pharmacists practising in Qatar (21.8%) and UAE (18.1%). The survey data demonstrated several reasons impacting job satisfaction among pharmacists practising in the Arab countries. Underestimation of the pharmacists' role, low salaries, lack of motivation and excessive workload were reported as major contributors to job dissatisfaction. On the other hand, professional commitment and the culture of the work setting were the major contributors to job satisfaction.

Conclusions

The study provides valuable insights into the aspects concerning pharmacists' satisfaction in the Arab world. Policymakers and other stakeholders need to act upon aspects of pharmacists' job satisfaction and dissatisfaction to ensure potentially better working environment and patient outcomes.

The stress, satisfaction and fulfilment of early career pharmacists - a qualitative analysis of a survey on their professional and personal lives

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to examine and develop a better understanding of (1) the factors that affect the stress of both their professional and personal lives, (2) the aspects of professional and personal life that affect their satisfaction and fulfilment and (3) what they need to achieve satisfaction and fulfilment in their professional and personal lives.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire contained 8 questions designed to collect qualitative data on the factors affecting the stress, satisfaction and fulfilment in the professional and personal lives of early career pharmacists (ECPs). Questionnaire responses were analysed using a qualitative content analysis approach and themes describing influential factors were developed.

KEY FINDINGS

Some of the factors that contribute to the stress, satisfaction and fulfilment of ECPs were identified. The stressors identified include the workplace environment and relationships with colleagues, the demands of a pharmacist career, the lack of career advancement pathways, job insecurity, relationships and their weaknesses. Factors contributing to satisfaction and fulfilment included supportive work environments and relationships, being appreciated and making a difference, growth, supportive relationships and self-care.

CONCLUSIONS

Supporting the well-being of ECPs is important for a resilient, engaged and effective pharmacy workforce. Key interventions include eliminating job insecurity, establishing clear career pathways, improving work environments and relationships and investing in the development of clinical, technical, communication and managerial skills.

Primary Healthcare Pharmacists' Perceived Organizational Support and Turnover Intention: Do Gender Differences Exist?

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between the four-dimensional structured perceived organizational support (emotional support, instrumental support, supervisor support, and coworker support) and the turnover intention of pharmacists in primary healthcare institutions. The gender differences between perceived organizational support and turnover intention will also be examined.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in primary healthcare institutions of 31 cities in China from 2 July to 1 September 2021. And the binary logistic regression model was employed for data analysis.

Results

937 valid questionnaires are allocated from pharmacists in primary healthcare institutions. The regression results indicated that emotional support (b=0.073, p<0.001) has a significant influence on pharmacists' turnover intention, and the effect of supervisor support (b=0.173, p=0.046) on pharmacists' turnover intention differs by gender.

Conclusion

These findings offer suggestions for the management and stabilization of pharmacists in primary healthcare institutions. It is suggested that specific measures should be taken to increase pharmacists' perceived organizational support and reduce their turnover intention. At the same time, gender differences need to be taken into consideration by the managers when providing perceived organizational support to reduce their turnover intention through adaptive management.

Workplace violence against pharmacists: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The rate of violence against health care workers is increasing worldwide. Pharmacists are the most accessible and frequently visited health care team members and are potentially more susceptible to violence than other health care workers.

OBJECTIVE(S)

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the magnitude of workplace violence toward pharmacists.

METHODS

We comprehensively searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase from their inception till December 2021 for pertinent studies that reported workplace violence incidents against pharmacists. Rates of workplace violence against pharmacists were calculated in a meta-analysis using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Overall, 624 articles were found, and 6 studies comprising 1896 pharmacists met the criteria for meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of workplace violence was 45% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30-60%), and 39% (95% CI: 24-55%) experienced violent events over preceding 12 months. Considerable proportion of pharmacists experienced some form of violence (65%, 95% CI: 41-88%), verbal abuse (50%, 95% CI: 36-65%), threats (42%, 95% CI: 26-59%) or assaults (27%, 95% CI: 9-46%). Moreover, 56% (95% CI: 23-89%) of pharmacists reported experiencing physical and/or verbal violence over the previous 12 months.

CONCLUSION

The analysis reveals the high rate of workplace violence in the pharmacy environment, with nearly half of pharmacists affected. While more studies are required, the limited evidence suggests the need to ensure safe workspaces in pharmacy environments through implementation of appropriate policies and legislation.

The Outcomes of Organizational Fairness among Precarious Workers: The Critical Role of Anomie at the Work

Precarious workers usually have some of the most unstable working conditions in any country. In this research, we firstly investigated the influence of organizational fairness on the emotional exhaustion and leave intentions of Peruvian precarious workers. Then, we tested the mediating role of anomie at work in the relationship between organizational fairness and the emotional exhaustion and leave intentions of precarious workers. To identify the impact of organizational fairness on these workers, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among 206 precarious workers in Peru. Our results showed that treating precarious workers fairly reduced their emotional exhaustion and leave intentions. Furthermore, we found that anomie at work mediate the relationship between organizational fairness and the emotional exhaustion and the relationship between organizational fairness and leave intentions of precarious workers. We provide empirical evidence of the critical role of organizational fairness in the reduction of emotional exhaustion and leave intentions among precarious workers. Examining the consequences of precarious workers’ perceptions of organizational fairness is needed for owners and managers of companies to have a clear understanding of how precarious workers’ working environments may shape their attitudes and work behaviors.

A national study on the resilience of community pharmacists in Lebanon: a cross-sectional survey

Background

Community pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals and are likely to experience the full brunt of public health crises. In Lebanon, the COVID-19 pandemic, added to a severe economic meltdown, have significantly disrupted an already suffering profession.

Methods

The objective of this study was to determine the level of resilience and its relationship to burnout, job satisfaction, intention to quit, and changes in practice. The study utilized a cross-sectional design to survey community pharmacists using an online questionnaire that included the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. All community pharmacists were invited to participate. Multiple logistic regression identified variables significantly associated with the resilience of pharmacists.

Results

A total of 459 community pharmacists completed the questionnaire. Respondents had a relatively low resilience level (68.0 ± 13.37). They also had higher scores on the client-related burnout (58.06 ± 17.46), followed by the personal burnout (56.51 ± 16.68) and the work-related burnout (55.75 ± 13.82). In this sample, 52.3% of pharmacists indicated that they are dissatisfied with their job and 41.1% indicated an intention to quit in the coming year. According to multivariate analysis, marital status (ß = 0.38; 95% CI 0.16–0.91; p = 0.03), intention to quit (ß = 0.384; 95% CI 0.149–0.987; p = 0.047), workload (ß = 0.275; 95% CI 0.096–0.783; p = 0.016), perception of safety (ß = 0.267; 95% CI 0.078–0.909; p = 0.035), and personal burnout (ß = 0.321; 95% CI 0.152–0.677; p = 0.003) were independent influencing factors for resilience.

Conclusions

Multiple challenges and crises have culminated to the low job satisfaction, high burnout, and high the intention to quit of community pharmacists. This seriously destabilized the labor market of pharmacists which could negatively affect public safety. Effective interventions are essential to enhance the well-being and job satisfaction of pharmacists during public health crisis.

A global study on job and career satisfaction of early-career pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists

Background

Job and career satisfaction of early-career pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists is imperative to ensure a motivated and effective workforce, and a secure future for pharmacy practice. In turn, this enables planning, deployment and long term implementation of global imperatives, through universal pharmacy coverage.

Objectives

This study used data from a global survey to determine the level of job and career satisfaction and identify factors that are most significant in determining satisfaction in early-career professionals.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was distributed to members of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Young Pharmacists Group (YPG) via email and social media platforms from November 2019 to May 2020. A previously validated questionnaire using 5-point Likert scales was used. Data were analysed by exploratory factor analysis, using principal component analysis, oblique rotation, and reliability testing of identified components, followed by a comparative statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 1014 respondents from 92 countries participated in this study. Regions of domicile significantly affected job satisfaction (p = 0.004) and career satisfaction (p < 0.0001) scores. Pharmacists working in community pharmacies perceived lower job satisfaction measures compared to those who work in academic institutions (p < 0.0001) and industry sector (p = 0.012). There is a negative association between career expectations and job satisfaction and career satisfaction scores. The workplace climate is related to education and training opportunities, lower reported workloads, greater autonomy, and more remuneration.

Conclusion

This was an international study of early-career pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. Enhancing factors associated with job and career satisfaction is essential to support early-career pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists in obtaining fulfilment and esteem in their chosen careers. Developing and implementing a well-framed system that provides a conducive working environment, remuneration, and greater autonomy could improve job and career satisfaction. This study provides evidence to support investment in early-career training, stated in the FIP Development Goal 2.

Gender and Pharmacists' Career Satisfaction in the United States

Job satisfaction reflects pharmacists' evaluation of their current work experiences, while career satisfaction is an evaluation of how satisfied pharmacists are with their profession across various jobs. The objectives of this article were to measure career satisfaction and specific facets of current-job satisfaction of U.S. pharmacists, compare satisfaction across genders, and examine the determinants of career satisfaction. This study was based on self-reported survey data collected from a random sample of licensed pharmacists practicing throughout the United States. The sample consisted of 422 men and 315 women. Within each gender, pharmacists' career satisfaction was modeled using ordinary least squares as a function of three sets of variables: personal characteristics, earnings and workweek, and other job-related variables. Female pharmacists exhibited higher levels of contentment with their careers than their male counterparts. Their career-satisfaction levels were not affected by age, marital status, annual earnings, or average workweek, covariates that systematically influenced male pharmacists' career satisfaction. Job satisfaction substantially affected pharmacists' long-term career satisfaction. Male and female pharmacists responded differently to stimuli, so a uniform set of work-related incentives may not be effective for both genders. Initiatives perceived by male practitioners as increasing satisfaction may be adversely perceived by female practitioners, and vice-versa.

Factors Associated with Intention of Serbian Public Health Workers to Leave the Job: A Cross-Sectional, Population-Based Study

Recruitment and retention of public health workers (PHWs) is crucial for the optimal functioning of the public health system at a time of budget cuts and the threat of a pandemic. Individual and job-related variables were examined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of the intention to leave a job during the COVID-19 outbreak among Serbian PHWs in 25 institutes of public health (n = 1663 respondents, of which 73.1% were female). A total of 20.3% of PHWs intended to leave their current job within the next five years. Males and persons aged younger than 55 years who had additional practice were more likely to report an intention to leave their job than females, those older than 54 years and those without additional work. While uncertainty and fear of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic were almost perceived as job attractiveness, other job-related characteristics were identified as significant barriers to maintaining the sufficient capacity of qualified PHWs in the future. Authorities need to address these factors, including the following: the feeling of tension, stress or pressure, and unavailability of information during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as dissatisfaction with respect, valuation, and the job in general.

Job Satisfaction Among Pharmacists

Job satisfaction among pharmacists affects the quality of pharmaceutical care and patient health. Our study targeted the evaluation of job and salary satisfaction levels in pharmacists and the factors affecting these levels. Methods — We conducted the survey of 407 pharmacists working at community pharmacies in Saratov Oblast (Russia). Results — The proportions of pharmacists satisfied with their jobs and their salaries were 77.1±0.4% and 52.8±0.4%, respectively. We discovered that salary satisfaction was influenced primarily by the household composition (p=0.004) and professional commitment (p<0.001). Pharmacists who were more satisfied with their jobs belonged to the age category ‘up to 44 years’ (p=0.002). They were less likely to change their employment (p<0.001) and more likely to experience positive emotions when performing their professional activities (p<0.001). Also, they were more satisfied with their salaries (p<0.001), committed to their profession (p<0.001), and more likely to perceive the social importance of their profession (p<0.001). Conclusion — Our findings suggested that formal traits of pharmaceutical professionals had a smaller impact on their job satisfaction, while the greatest impact was caused by the personal characteristics (perception of the social importance of their profession, professional commitment), salary satisfaction, age and frequency of changing jobs.

Job satisfaction among Saudi healthcare workers and its impact on the quality of health services

Background

Job satisfaction among health care workers is crucial and considered as an essential parameter that affects their productivity and work's quality.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among health care workers in Saudi, males and females, to assess the impact of job satisfaction on health service quality. A random sampling technique was applied to select the participants. An online questionnaire was sent electronically to all health workers in Saudi. The data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 21, P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Chi-square test of significance will be applied at the 5% level of significance.

Results

Out of 226 participants, 73.9% were females, and 26.1% were males, and the majority of the participants (n = 108, 47.8%) aged between 31 to 40 years old. Half of the participants (50%) were married, 37.2% were physicians, 70.8% of the participants work at the public organization, and 61.9% of them had more than 3 years of work experience. Stress management and patient satisfaction significantly impacted the participant's satisfaction with their job (P = 0.001 and P = 0.021, respectively). Poor management was the highest factor that affected the quality of the provided care in the hospitals (40%), but without any significant difference (P-value = 0.210). The participants showed neutral satisfaction with their work (38.1%), and most of them had a low satisfaction level (n = 119, 52.7%).

Conclusion

Job satisfaction and the quality of the provided care are strongly associated with each other. The overall level of job satisfaction among health care providers in Saudi Arabia was low.

Validation of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory in Pharmacists

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to 1) determine the validity of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) for use in the assessment of burnout in a sample of pharmacists using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and 2) use the CBI items and other measures of work-life to assess burnout in pharmacists employed in various types of practice.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was administered to a sample of 2,582 pharmacists in a single Midwestern US state. The survey included the three subscales of the CBI, each of which measures personal, work-related, and patient-related dimensions of burnout. Other items included demographics, practice type, workload, and work-life balance. CFA was used to measure fit, and Cronbach's alpha was used to assess reliability. Correlation was used to assess criterion validity of the CBI. Logistic regression and bivariate analyses were used to assess pharmacist burnout based on demographics.

RESULTS

Following the removal of 2 items from the measurement model, a 17-item 3-factor CBI was found to possess satisfactory psychometric properties for use in pharmacists. The CBI correlated with measures of work-life demonstrating criterion validity. A logistic regression showed that younger pharmacists and community pharmacists experience higher burnout than older pharmacists and clinical pharmacists. Community pharmacists also more often reported high workloads and poorer work-life integration. Both community and clinic pharmacists desired more time providing patient care services and less time dispensing.

CONCLUSION

The CBI is a psychometrically reliable and valid instrument for assessing burnout in pharmacists. Younger pharmacists and community pharmacists warrant attention due to their higher degree of burnout.

Job Satisfaction among Swedish Pharmacists

Understanding the role of pharmacists’ job satisfaction is important because a lack of job satisfaction might have negative impacts on patient care and safety. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore and compare job satisfaction among pharmacists graduating from the pharmacy programs at Umeå University, Sweden. Data concerning job satisfaction and associated factors were collected using an alumni survey conducted among pharmacists graduating between 2015 and 2018. Ethical committee approval is not required for this type of study in Sweden. A majority (92.6%) of the pharmacy graduates were female. A majority of the graduates (91.4%) were satisfied with their job most of the time or all of the time, which was similar to a previous investigation among pharmacists graduating between 2006 and 2014. High access to continuous professional development (CPD) was associated with higher job satisfaction (odds ratio (OR): 18.717 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.685–207.871)). In total, 65.6% considered access to CPD to be high (i.e., satisfactory to very good). Variables like gender, age, employee category, workplace, years since graduation, and income did not affect job satisfaction. Knowledge regarding job satisfaction will enable employers to respond to employees’ needs, decrease turnover, and improve the work environment.