Effect of an Integrated Clinical Pharmacist on the Drivers of Provider Burnout in the Primary Care Setting

Purpose: As the prevalence of provider burnout continues to increase, it is critical to identify interventions that may impact provider satisfaction, such as an integrated clinical pharmacist. This study aimed to assess the perceived effect of pharmacist integration on primary care provider satisfaction and drivers of provider burnout in the primary care setting. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with 11 questions across 4 domains was distributed to primary care providers in a large integrated health system. Results: Of 295 providers invited to take the survey, 119 responded (40% response rate). Most providers had worked with a pharmacist for at least 2 years and utilized themweekly or daily. At least 87% of provider respondents strongly agreed or somewhat agreed that the integrated clinical pharmacist reduced their workload by working directly with patients and non-provider staff, improved overallmedication use, helped patients meet health goals and qualitymeasures, and overall helped them to effectively manage their panel of patients. Providers found greatermeaning in work through the presence of the clinical pharmacist, which allowed them more time to focus on professionally fulfilling aspects of their work and helped them feel less emotional exhaustion. Overall, 91% of providers were extremely satisfied with the clinical pharmacy service. Conclusions: These findings may be used to justify the expansion of clinical pharmacy services in primary care to practice areas experiencing problems with 4 specific drivers of provider burnout: workload and job demands, efficiency and resources, meaning in work, and social support and community at work.