The development of a Pharmacy Student Work Values Inventory (PSWVI)

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy education
• Professional development
• Workplace psychology

Background:

• Understanding pharmacy student work values is crucial for career development and retention.
• Previous research has not adequately addressed the specific work values of pharmacy students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an instrument to measure the work values of pharmacy students.
• To identify key work value factors influencing pharmacy students' career choices.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide survey of 1,820 recent graduates and final-year pharmacy students.
• Utilized Varimax factor analysis on 738 usable questionnaires to identify work value dimensions.
• Compared work values based on degree type (BS vs. PharmD) and sex.

Main Results:

• Eleven reliable work value factors were identified, including Quality Patient Care, Supervision, Work Schedule, and Job Security.
• "Job Security," "Family Responsibilities," and "Patient Care" were rated as least important.
• Significant gender differences emerged: women valued "Supervision and Company Policy" and "Quality Patient Care" higher; women also preferred traditional work hours more than men.

Conclusions:

• The developed instrument effectively measures pharmacy student work values.
• Gender is a significant factor influencing work value priorities in pharmacy students.
• Future interventions should consider gender-specific work value considerations in pharmacy education and practice.