Exploration of professional and working conditions among community pharmacists in Gipuzkoa

• Published in: Farmacéuticos comunitarios Vol. 16; no. 1; p. 18
• Main Authors: Goienetxea, Estibaliz, Oñatibia-Astibia, Ainhoa, Malet-Larrea, Amaia, Aizpurua-Arruti, Xabier, Gastelurrutia, Miguel Ángel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Spanish
• Published: Spain 15-01-2024
• Subjects: Work satisfaction; pharmacist; work-life balance; community pharmacy; employment status
• ISSN: 2173-9218; 2173-9218
• DOI: 10.33620/FC.2173-9218.(2024).06

The purpose of this study is to explore the professional and working conditions of community pharmacists in the province of Gipuzkoa.The methodology employed involved: 1) A discussion with owner pharmacists and associate pharmacists, 2) A survey on satisfaction and work-life balance of pharmacists working in community pharmacies, and 3) Analysis of the reasons for cancelling membership of the association of pharmacists in the last 3 years. Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively.There was evidence of a range of issues including difficulty in recruiting associate pharmacists, unfavourable work-life balance, low job satisfaction and lack of professional development, poor business hours and other working conditions. Owner pharmacists reported a higher level of job satisfaction and work-life balance than associate pharmacists (p<0.001). However, both groups had a poor work-life balance. The issue of work-life balance is seen as being better in pharmacies with continuous business hours, as opposed to those with split (morning/afternoon) hours. Seventy percent (n=67) of pharmacists who cancelled their membership of the association over the last three years moved to another professional domain, particularly education and industry.In-depth deliberation is required into the professional and working situation of pharmacists working in community pharmacies, with a view to positing global strategies to improve job satisfaction and work-life balance.