Workforce Challenges for Health System Pharmacy

Research published in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy1 provided specific examples of these metrics from a recent capacity analysis at an academic medical center (Table l).3 Some of these metrics are overlooked as the workforce is assessed, which can cause strain and reduce engagement. Strategic Wisdom The health system pharmacy workforce has been a priority topic in several recent publications for the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Foundation Pharmacy Forecasts46 and the high-value pharmacy enterprise framework.7 In addition, the newly formed Health System Strategy Council of the American Pharmacists Association will also address workforce challenges. The pandemic has highlighted cracks in our health system pharmacy workforce that can be addressed with systematic capacity analysis, justification of resources, and implementation of strong workforce engagement and development plans.