Today's Perspective
Kristin Wiisanen, PharmD, FAPhA, FCCP, Pharmacy Today editor in chief
To protect as many as possible from an anticipated surge of COVID-19 and influenza this winter, experts are recommending pharmacists take an approach that “every patient visit is an opportunity to vaccinate.” While it is imperative that we take preventive measures for our patients, this recommendation comes at a time when pharmacists are facing a burnout epidemic. After months of challenges and new patient care needs brought on by COVID-19, pharmacists are hitting a wall.
This month’s Pharmacy Today cover story addresses this important issue. In this article, Ohio pharmacist Jason Opritza, RPh, voices what many pharmacists are feeling right now: expectations for community pharmacists and the metrics used to assess their performance are just not realistic. How are pharmacists facing this dilemma while also meeting essential patient care needs? Many are relying on certified pharmacy technicians and student pharmacists to help meet increasing demands. With 24 states now allowing CPhTs to administer vaccines and student pharmacists pitching in across the nation, this is a good first step for pharmacists, but it likely will not be enough. Pharmacists are not the only members of the pharmacy team experiencing burnout.
In addition to tips for handling burnout, this issue of Today brings you information on how and when you should opt out of filling ivermectin prescriptions, provides guidance on safe practices for tapering opioids, and explains the benefits of using milk thistle for liver health. You can also learn the latest on monoclonal antibody therapies, and get new drug updates along with a comprehensive look at new therapeutic agents approved in 2020 in this month’s CPE article.
While some measures are available to lighten the load during flu season, pharmacists need more help. Check out APhA’s well-being resources on pharmacist.com for the latest on stress and resiliency, work-life balance, emotional support, and other helpful resources, including information on the Pharmacy Workplace & Well-Being Reporting system for pharmacists and pharmacy personnel to confidentially and anonymously report positive and negative workplace experiences. Most importantly, in the upcoming hectic days of increasing demands on pharmacists, remember to take measures to care for yourself and stay healthy. Your patients need you, but so do your friends and family.
Have a great Today!