Supporting the Well-Being of Community Pharmacy Technicians
A conversation with Taylor Watterson, PharmD, PhD, assistant professor at the University of Chicago Illinois Retzky College of Pharmacy.
Pharmacy technicians face many challenges in the workplace that can negatively impact their well-being. Most of the stress comes from high workloads and not enough resources to manage them. Pharmacy technicians handle many tasks, but there’s often not enough staff or time to get them all done, which can lead to occupational fatigue and burnout.
Pharmacy technicians also work in a unique setting that combines healthcare with a business model. They’re expected to care for patients while also meeting business goals, which adds pressure. They also often deal with frustrated or unwell patients, which can lead to stressful or even unsafe interactions.
A recent study used the US Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-being to look at these issues.1 One of the key ideas is “protection from harm,” which includes both physical and emotional safety. This could mean preventing violence, offering training on dealing with difficult situations, or creating patient behavior guidelines. It also includes basic things like allowing time for lunch or bathroom breaks, which are often skipped.
To help pharmacy technicians feel supported, workplaces can also build stronger connections among staff, recognize and celebrate their efforts, and include them in decision-making. Immediate steps like improving safety, ensuring proper rest, and reducing workload or increasing staff could go a long way in improving well-being. Pharmacy technicians are vital to the healthcare system, and supporting their needs helps improve care for everyone.
Drug Topics recently sat down with Taylor Watterson, PharmD, PhD, assistant professor at the University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy and an author on the study, to discuss the primary contributors to stress or frustration among pharmacy technicians today and immediate steps that can be taken to reduce technician workload and prevent burnout.
