Evaluation of burnout among hospital and health-system pharmacists in North Carolina.

Abstract

To assess the current state of burnout among pharmacists who work in hospital and health-system settings in North Carolina. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Professionals was used to assess burnout in this study. This survey measures 3 subscales of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. In addition to the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the survey asked questions addressing various modifiable and nonmodifiable demographic factors. To distribute the survey, an email listserv of all pharmacists licensed in the state was obtained from the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy. The survey was distributed through email in June 2018. A follow-up email encouraging participation in the survey was sent 2 weeks later. The survey was open for a total of 4 weeks. The survey was delivered to 2,524 pharmacists; 380 responses were received (15.1% response rate). Of the 380 individuals who responded, 357 completed the entire survey (93.9% completion rate), and 198 pharmacists (55.5%) were at risk for burnout. Following multivariate logistic regression, 3 factors were significantly associated with increased risk of burnout: female gender, working in a primarily distribution role, and longer hours worked per week. Two factors were significantly associated with decreased risk of burnout: being aware of burnout resources and working 4 to 6 months with learners. The results of this statewide survey revealed that more than half of hospital and health system-based pharmacists are at risk for burnout.