The National Pharmacist Workforce Study surveyed 1,470 practicing pharmacists and found a notable rise in the workload of the average pharmacist from 2000 to 2004. Since more prescriptions are being given out in community pharmacies, 48% of pharmacists questioned said they were unable to take breaks, 36% had less opportunity to reduce errors, 35% spent less time with patients, and 33% had less ability to solve drug therapy problems.

The report concluded that this increased workload is causing more pharmacists to seek part-time employment and to prefer providing services that are centered on patients, such as immunizations and medication therapy management, instead of dispensing pills.

Source: American Pharmacists Association. (2006, May 24). Journal of the American Pharmacists Association: May/June 2006 issue highlights National Pharmacist Workforce Study. Retrieved June 7, 2006, from http:// http://www.aphanet.org/