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Downsizing of health-system pharmacist positions
A A Kahaleh1, W Siganga, M Holiday-Goodman
1College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. akahaleh@umich.edu
Summary
Downsizing significantly impacted institutional pharmacists, leading to changes in administrative roles and job responsibilities. Pharmacists identified managed care and profit motives as key drivers, emphasizing skills like communication and cross-training for career resilience.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Practice
- Healthcare Management
- Organizational Behavior
Background:
- Workforce restructuring, including downsizing, presents challenges for healthcare professionals.
- Understanding the impact of downsizing on institutional pharmacists is crucial for professional development and organizational strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors influencing the downsizing of pharmacist positions.
- To assess pharmacists' attitudes and experiences regarding downsizing.
- To identify strategies for pharmacists to navigate downsizing.
Main Methods:
- A national mail survey was distributed to 533 members of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) in January 1997.
- A total of 256 usable questionnaires were returned, yielding a 48% response rate.
- The survey collected data on factors affecting downsizing and pharmacists' perceptions.
Main Results:
- 17% of surveyed pharmacists had experienced downsizing, with 61% previously holding administrative roles.
- Post-downsizing, administrative positions decreased to 32%, and 79% reported substantially changed job responsibilities.
- Mergers, managed care, and profit motives were cited as primary causes; reduced patient care quality, increased stress, and lowered morale were negative impacts.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacists affected by downsizing often transitioned to roles with similar or higher salaries but significantly different responsibilities.
- Key skills for surviving downsizing include communication, education, cross-training, and clinical expertise.
- Addressing the negative impacts of downsizing on patient care, stress, and morale is essential for organizational well-being.