Prioritizing Faculty Well-Being: Why it Matters, What Schools Can Do, and a Call for Action

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Occupational Health
• Pharmacy Practice

Background:

• Previous studies indicate high burnout rates among health care workers and health professions faculty.
• Despite numerous presentations, peer-reviewed research on well-being interventions for pharmacy faculty is scarce.
• Specific subgroups, like women and assistant professors, may face heightened risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the need for research on professional well-being interventions for academic pharmacy faculty.
• To call for the design and publication of studies assessing work-system interventions.
• To encourage a focus on vulnerable faculty subgroups.

Main Methods:

• This is a commentary and call to action, not an empirical study.
• It synthesizes existing knowledge on burnout in health professions.
• It references the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Creating a Culture of Well-being guide.

Main Results:

• There is a significant gap in published research regarding interventions for pharmacy faculty burnout.
• Existing interventions are often presented at conferences but lack rigorous peer-reviewed evaluation.
• The need for targeted research is emphasized.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need for research into work-system interventions to combat burnout in academic pharmacy.
• Focus should be placed on developing and assessing interventions for all faculty, especially women and assistant professors.
• Colleges of pharmacy should consider implementing well-being strategies from established guides.