Burnout Among Pharmacy Preceptors in Northern California

Objective. The objectives of this study were to investigate the incidence of burnout syndrome among pharmacy preceptors and to identify predictors for the development of burnout in this population.Methods. This cross-sectional survey study examined burnout syndrome among pharmacy preceptors in Northern California. Preceptors were included if they self-identified as a preceptor to advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) students or to postgraduate pharmacy residents in their first year of residency. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey, and preceptors were classified as having burnout syndrome if they scored high on emotional exhaustion and also either scored high on depersonalization or scored low on personal accomplishment. Additionally, respondents' demographics, workplace environment, workload, and day-to-day workflow were queried to help determine predictors of burnout syndrome among this population.Result. The study included 113 pharmacy preceptors. Of the preceptors, 22% reported scores consistent with burnout, with 57% of preceptors scoring positive for burnout in one of the three burnout criteria. On multivariate regression analysis, two independent risk factors for burnout syndrome were identified: preceptors who precepted many difficult or unmotivated learners per year and preceptors who did not feel their contributions as preceptors were appreciated by their institution.Conclusion. The rate of burnout among pharmacy preceptors is high, with preceptors exhibiting high emotional exhaustion and low levels of personal accomplishment. Predictors of burnout syndrome for this population appear to be precepting many difficult or unmotivated learners and not feeling that one's contributions as a preceptor are appreciated.