Hundreds of pharmacists are shifting from patient care roles to drug companies and specialty markets earning billions, according to Michael Hogue, PharmD, who said hospital pharmacies should counteract this trend.
"These largely work-from-home jobs [have pulled pharmacists] away from hospitals, long-term care, and community practice into a work environment that is often less stressful and comes with a more robust financial upside," Dr. Hogue, CEO of the American Pharmacists Association, wrote in a July 2 blog post.
He recognized the value of pharmacists in varied workplace settings, but added that organizations should focus on stabilizing pharmacy teams. The APhA is meeting with corporate pharmacy chains and large health systems to discuss staffing needs, Dr. Hogue said.
As hospital and health system pharmacy leaders project a smaller applicant pool in the near future, the APhA recommends elevating and professionalizing pharmacy technicians' roles, and adapting more automation.
Dr. Hogue also said floating pharmacists is not a viable strategy.
"Floating pharmacists hopping from store to store is not a solution," he said. "The stability of a team of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working in a single pharmacy to establish relationships and practice responsibilities seems to lead to better satisfaction with work and the work environment."