Addressing Burnout in Pharmacy | APhA 2025
Alisha Reed, PharmD, founder of Your Self Care Prescription, LLC, discussed how pharmacists can implement wellness programs to reduce burnout.
Burnout has become a critical issue in the pharmacy profession, requiring proactive and comprehensive strategies to address and mitigate its impact. The key to managing burnout begins with self-assessment, utilizing tools like the well-being index to understand personal stress levels and compare them with peers, according to Alisha Reed, PharmD, founder of Your Self Care Prescription, LLC. Professionals are encouraged to recognize that burnout is a universal challenge that affects performance, accuracy, and overall workplace morale.
Effective management of burnout involves implementing practical strategies that promote mental and professional well-being. These include incorporating mindfulness practices such as deep breathing exercises, intentionally scheduling breaks, and setting focused work periods. Workplace culture plays a crucial role, with organizations recommended to develop consistent wellness programs that go beyond initial implementation. Creating a supportive environment through group activities, wellness boards, and open discussions about stress can help normalize conversations around professional challenges.
Rotation of responsibilities and seeking regular feedback are essential in preventing burnout. By breaking monotonous work patterns and providing opportunities for professional variety, pharmacists can maintain engagement and reduce emotional exhaustion. Leadership plays a pivotal role in this process, with pharmacy leaders encouraged to share their own experiences with stress and collaborate on solutions. The approach to managing burnout can be enhanced by utilizing accountability partners or coaches, whether internal or external, who can provide objective insights and support.
Ultimately, the goal is to develop a holistic approach to professional well-being that acknowledges burnout as a systemic issue while providing practical, sustainable tools for individual and organizational resilience. By prioritizing mental health and creating supportive work environments, pharmacy professionals can better manage stress, maintain high-quality patient care, and sustain their long-term professional satisfaction.
"I think a lot of pharmacies develop great programs, but they aren't consistent," Reed said. "They come up with great ideas and come out the gate running, and then fall off, so it's not consistent."
