RPS Conference 2010, Abstracts 2010 - Royal Pharmaceutical Society

simply that pharmacists are not effectively managing their own health concerns. It should be
noted that the data suggest that community pharmacists were less likely to take sick leave than
those engaged in hospital practice. Despite the majority of pharmacists stating that they have
had health concerns in the past five years many of them do not feel that this has had an impact
on their performance. The research findings indicate that the effect of not taking appropriate
sick leave could lead to the internalisation of problems, leading to greater levels of stress and
feeling unwell which in turn impacts adversely on professional performance. The qualitative data
suggest that pharmacists do not fully recognise the impact poor health can have on their ability
to perform effectively as a pharmacist.
Conclusions
Health concerns affect a large number of pharmacists and have the ability to affect the
professional performance of individuals adversely. In addition there are some distinct barriers
currently preventing pharmacists accessing healthcare services. Many pharmacists are not
taking action or are delaying taking action to deal with their health concerns. The evidence
suggests that pharmacists do not prioritise their own health and in most cases do not think
about the impact this can have on them and on their patients.
References
1. Harvey SB et al. The mental health of healthcare professionals: a review for the Department of
Health. King’s College London Institute of Psychiatry, 2009 www.dh.gov.uk (Accessed 2 April
2010)
2. National Clinical Assessment Service (2009) Work with pharmacists.
http://www.ncas.npsa.nhs.uk/ncas-services/work-with-pharmacists/ Accessed 7 April 2010.
3. National Clinical Assessment Service (2009) NCAS Casework The first Eight Years
4. Seston E and Hassell K. The Pharmacy Workforce Census 2008: Main Findings. University of
Manchester/Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2009 www.rpsgb.org