Link to EAHP Statements

• Section 1 – Introductory Statements and Governance: Statements – 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5

Abstract

As healthcare systems around the world strive to give the best possible care for patients amongst increasing workload, financial restraints, shortages of trained professionals and other necessary resources, and the ongoing consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers' resilience is put to the test. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes burnout as a syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Burnout is a growing concern among healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, and can lead to emotional exhaustion, decreased job satisfaction, and decreased quality of patient care. More than half of practising pharmacists report experiencing burnout. Associated risk factors include longer working hours, less professional experience, high patient and prescription volumes, excessive workload and poor work-life balance. Being able to detect and address symptoms and causes of burnout among the pharmacy workforce is paramount to ensure sustainability of the healthcare system, and pharmacy leaders have a relevant role to play. It is paramount that healthcare systems promote initiatives to ensure workers well-being. Some well proven strategies include conducting regular surveys to address professionals’ level of burnout, improving work conditions, implementing wellness programmes, providing resources for mental health, increasing support and training and fostering a positive work-culture.

This session is designed to provide hospital pharmacists with practical strategies to address burnout, improve their mental health, and enhance their overall well-being. The session will be interactive and participants will have opportunities for discussion and reflection.

Learning objectives

After the session, the participant should be able to: 

• To identify causes and symptoms of professional burnout
• To discuss strategies to prevent and address burnout amongst the hospital pharmacy workforce
• To develop initiatives to improve workers mental health and well-being

Educational need addressed  

Burnout has become a growing concern among healthcare professionals, and hospital pharmacists are no exception. Hospital pharmacists, especially those in a leader position must be able to identify burnout symptoms and to implement prevention strategies and stress reducing practices.

Keywords

Leadership, mental health, workplace issues