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More than 80% of hospital pharmacists believe staffing levels at their workplace are insufficient, according to a survey conducted by the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA).
Of 535 respondents, just 19% agreed or strongly agreed that “staffing levels at my workplace are sufficient for the workload” and 38% said that their work was having an adverse effect on their health. Only around two-thirds (68%) of respondents said they were able to take their statutory rest breaks.
Just under three-quarters of respondents agreed that their place of work had a good patient safety culture. A significant minority (27%) did not agree or were neutral on the subject. A minority of respondents (41%) were satisfied with their opportunities for career progression.
But a clear majority — 89% — said they felt empowered to act on their professional judgement at work.
The PDA described the survey’s findings as “worrying”.
Separately, the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) is undertaking a survey into the impact of medicines shortages. All hospital pharmacists across Europe are invited to complete the survey, which can be found here. The survey will close on 11 June 2018.
