A survey of pharmacists' perception of the work environment and patient safety in community pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic (4 September 2023)

Summary

Community pharmacies in Sweden have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and new routines have been introduced to address the needs of customers and staff and to reduce the risk of spreading infection. Burnout has been described among staff possibly due to a changed working climate. However, little research has focused on the pandemic's effect on patient safety in community pharmacies.

The aim of this study was to examine pharmacists' perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on workload, working environment, and patient safety in community pharmacies.

Content

Highlights:.

• This was a national census study, encompassing all community pharmacists.
• Workload increased and working conditions deteriorated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Patient safety was not perceived to be affected in community pharmacies.
• Pharmacists felt lack of understanding from management regarding working conditions.