Job satisfaction and the association with involvement in clinical activities among hospital pharmacists in Hong Kong

Abstract

To describe the relationship between job satisfaction of hospital pharmacists and the extent of their involvement in clinical pharmacy activities, and to examine if demographics and practice characteristics are associated with the extent of involvement in clinical pharmacy activities and job satisfaction. A cross-sectional study was conducted by surveying with a self-administered questionnaire mailed to all full-time pharmacists employed by the Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. Respondents reporting job and career satisfaction averaged near the neutral point. The results indicated an unmet expectation of work balance between clinical activities and drug distribution, with the majority of responding pharmacists desiring a shift of work balance from more drug distributive roles towards more clinical activities. The results also suggested that an unmet expectation in work balance affects job and career satisfaction, particularly in younger, frontline pharmacists. Younger, frontline pharmacists reported lower job satisfaction and a greater gap of unmet expectations in their work balance. This study highlights the importance of pharmacists' involvement in clinical activities, as job enrichment would improve job satisfaction and maximise benefits towards patients and healthcare organisations.