Burnout Among Pharmacy Preceptors in Northern California.

Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence of burnout syndrome among pharmacy preceptors, and to identify predictors for the development of burnout among this population.Methods. This cross-sectional survey study examined burnout syndrome among pharmacy preceptors in Northern California. Preceptors were included if they self-identified as a preceptor to Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) students and Pharmacy Graduate Year One (PGY-1) residents. Burnout was assessed using the MBI-HSS, and preceptors were classified as having burnout syndrome if they scored high on emotional exhaustion (EE) plus either high on depersonalization (DP) or low on personal accomplishment (PA). Additionally, demographics, workplace environment, workload, and day-to-day workflow were queried to help determine predictors of burnout syndrome among this population.Result. One hundred and thirteen pharmacy preceptors were included in the study. Twenty two percent of preceptors reported scores consistent with burnout, with 57% of preceptors scoring positive for burnout in one of the three burnout criteria. On multivariate regression analysis, two independent risk factors for burnout syndrome were identified; preceptors who precepted a large number of difficult or unmotivated learners per year, and preceptors who did not feel their contributions as preceptors were appreciated by their institution.Conclusion. The rate of burnout among pharmacy preceptors is high, with preceptors exhibiting high EE and low levels of PA. Precepting a large number of difficult or unmotivated learners, and not feeling contributions as preceptors are appreciated, appear to be predictors of burnout syndrome.