Evaluation of Community Pharmacists’ Job Satisfaction Related to Professional Responsibilities

Abstract

Specific Aims: To assess overall job satisfaction among community pharmacists and identify factors that improve job satisfaction and ability to perform professional responsibilities. Methods: The subjects of this study were Arizona licensed pharmacists, greater than 25 years old, who were employed with a community chain pharmacy including CVS, Safeway, Walgreens or Walmart. This study used a focus group to ascertain perceptions and satisfactions. Participants completed a questionnaire prior to the focus group that assessed satisfaction with their current employment including workplace, compensation, paid time off, and computer system. Demographic data including gender, age, ethnicity, and years of pharmacy practice were collected. Focus group questions included job satisfaction related to staff support, technology, workflow processes, work/life balance, services provided, company respect, job expectations and roles, and expected longevity in the company. Main Results: A total of 8 persons from four different pharmacy organizations participated in the study. The median age was 31.5 (SD = 9.7) and the median years of practice was 6.5 (SD = 9.7). Overall, all pharmacists reported they were satisfied in their workplace and paid time off, felt that they are adequately compensated for their work, and envisioned themselves with the same company in 10 years. Pharmacists from two organizations stated that their computer systems adequately identified drug interactions whereas pharmacists from the other two organizations disagreed. During the focus group, most pharmacists identified patient interaction as their favorite aspect of their job. Conclusions: Community chain pharmacists job satisfaction was high and similar among the pharmacy organizations represented in the sample.