The association outlined several short- and long-term remedies to address pharmacist burnout. Three such recommendations are summarized below.
1. Improve working conditions. Employers must ensure pharmacies are appropriately staffed so that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have adequate time to safely dispense medications, administer vaccines and speak with patients about their medications.
2. Ensure pharmacy team members’ voices are heard. State pharmacy boards must have conversations with pharmacy team members, pharmacy leaders and organization executives to examine staffing levels, safety performance measures, technology use and more, the association said.
3. Address underlying payment issues. The payment system for pharmacy services is fundamentally flawed, the American Pharmacists Association said. Pharmacists and pharmacies are mainly reimbursed for dispensing a product, versus addressing a patient’s clinical needs. Recognizing pharmacists as clinical providers in Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance plans would help address these payment issues, the group said.
Learn more here.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
