OBJECTIVES: Burnout is an occupational phenomenon caused by poorly managed chronic stress. In healthcare setting, it may increase medication errors which are associated with patient harm. Therefore, estimating the prevalence of burnout among pharmacists which is currently unknown is important for health policy implications. This review aimed to estimate the global prevalence of burnout among pharmacists.

METHODS: Databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo and AMED) were searched to identify published studies from inception that investigated prevalence of burnout among pharmacists working in any healthcare settings globally using Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) measure which includes three subcomponents (i.e., emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment). The prevalence estimates of burnout (i.e., high risk of burnout in at least one subcomponent of MBI) experienced by pharmacists were pooled using a random effects model. The criteria of sample selection from a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used to assess the quality of included studies.

RESULTS: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. They were conducted in North America (5/9), Europe (2/9), Australia (1/9) and Asia (1/9). Seven studies recruited at least 300 respondents and with sample who were truly representative of the populations. The pooled prevalence of burnout from nine studies was 0.48 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.30, 0.66). High heterogeneity was observed (I2=99.6%, p<0.01). Meta-regression did not show significant difference in the continents where the studies were conducted nor the workplace of pharmacists (hospital, community, or both). Higher prevalence of burnout was found in North America with a pooled prevalence of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.50, 0.69) and in Asia with 0.62 (95% CI: 0.58, 0.69).

CONCLUSION: Almost one in two pharmacists experienced burnout globally. Further studies should investigate the causes of the high burnout rate to maintain pharmacists’ quality of work-life and to avoid any negative impacts to the professional services received by patients.