EFFORTS to overcome Australia's pharmacy workforce maldistribution need to be strengthened to boost pharmacist numbers in rural and remote areas, a study reveals.
Research from James Cook University, published in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, found barriers to pursuing a career in rural practise persisted, despite pharmacists working in regional and remote areas reporting higher job satisfaction than their peers in metropolitan areas.
The study noted that rural pharmacy had high turnover rates, with pharmacists experiencing higher workloads than their city-dwelling counterparts, and issues around short staffing and difficulties attracting locums exacerbating that burden.
The practice environment, with a lack of access to professional development opportunities and conferences was also identified as a barrier.
However, the study noted that "pharmacists generally view rural practice positively, particularly enjoying the challenges of an expanded scope of practice and working as part of a multidisciplinary team".
"Rapport and familiarity with patients and feeling valued and respected are also consistently cited as drivers for staying in rural and remote practice," the authors said.
The study also found that having a rural background was associated with a willingness to live a work rurally, as perceptions of personal and social isolation were seen as factors driving pharmacists away from remote practice.
The authors concluded that addressing the current motivators and challenges faced by pharmacists considering rural practice were needed to strengthen health services and improve outcomes for Australians living outside metropolitan areas.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 02 Mar 20
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 02 Mar 20
