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Workplace Pressures in Scotland

The role of the patient-facing pharmacist in Scotland has changed over the last ten years. The volume of work has increased and the services to patients have diversified. For many, this has been an opportunity to explore professional opportunities and develop clinical skills. But it is also a cause of rising levels of stress and problems at work.

We’d like to get a better picture of where you think the challenges lie and what you think needs to change in the professional pharmacists’ workplace.
1.For each of the following issues, please indicate on a scale of 1 – 5 (where 1 would indicate you strongly believe the issue is a problem for the profession through to 5 which would indicate you strongly believe is not an issue for the profession) whether or not you believe the following needs to be challenged:(Required.)
1 (definitely a problem)
2
3
4
5 (no problem)
Decriminalisation of single dispensing errors
Supervision responsibilities
Unrealistic expectations to leave dispensary unsupervised
Harsh implementation of fitness-to-practise regulations
Lack of time and support for Continuing Professional Development
Inadequate staffing at pharmacist level
Inadequate staffing at technician/dispenser level
Inadequate training of technicians/dispensers
Low pay
Time pressure caused by paperwork
Time pressure caused by patient demands
Time pressure caused by changes to the way medicines can be ordered
Lack of support from management
Conflict between commercial pressures and professional values
Lack of diversity in services offered to patients causing boredom
Diversity of services causing extra workload
Diversity of services which pharmacist is not ready for
New services for which administrative and technical support is insufficient
Poorly performing technology
Long hours or shifts
Lack of breaks
Lack of holiday
Unable to take a day off due to a lack of staff
Please tell us a little about yourself
2.What sector of the profession do you work in?(Required.)
3.Which company do you work for if you are a community pharmacist?
4.How old are you?(Required.)
5.Are you:(Required.)
6.In which Health Board area do you predominately work?(Required.)
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