Evaluation of burnout among pharmacy technicians in South Dakota

Background: Healthcare workers experience high rates of stress and burnout related to their working conditions. Several cross-sectional studies have been conducted that focus on pharmacist burnout, but the literature assessing burnout among pharmacy technicians is limited, especially in rural areas. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess burnout among pharmacy technicians in community and health-system pharmacies in South Dakota. Methods: This observational mixed methods, student-led study assessed the prevalence of pharmacy technician burnout in South Dakota. A 26-item survey including questions measuring burnout using a modified Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) and modified Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) was sent to pharmacy technicians across South Dakota. Based on responses, a literature-based presentation was created and presented to a focus group that provided feedback on potential interventions. Results: The survey received 270 responses (21.4%) and four pharmacy technicians participated in the focus group. Overall, pharmacy technicians in both community and health-system settings reported low-to-moderate burnout. Common stressors reported in both ranking and open response included inadequate staffing, workload, mistreatment from patients, work environment/collegiality, management support, and pay. Interventions suggested in open response included improved scheduling, management changes, breaks, non-pay benefits/use of PTO, and increased pay. Conclusion: Pharmacy technicians in this sample are experiencing rates of burnout consistent with those seen in published studies. Data collected regarding stressors and suggested interventions provides insight into potential interventions to help improve working conditions and decrease burnout among pharmacy technicians.