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2025-10-17
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Copyright (c) 2025 Shanna OConnor, Austin Manuell, Kylie Anderson, Jillian Songstad, Emily Tisler, Tucker Wieneke, Hyunjun Cho, Jacob Ford, Jeremy Daniel
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Copyright of content published in INNOVATIONS in pharmacy belongs to the author(s).
Evaluation of burnout among pharmacy technicians in South Dakota
Shanna O'Connor
South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions
Austin Manuell
Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7293-853X
Kylie Anderson
Sanford USD Medical Center
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5438-5864
Jillian Songstad
Sanford USD Medical Center
Emily Tisler
South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6471-8898
Tucker Wieneke
Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2811-7431
Hyunjun Cho
South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2469-5336
Jacob Ford
South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8351-7555
Jeremy Daniel
South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions; Avera Behavioral Health Hospital
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/iip.v16i3.6868
Keywords: pharmacy technician, professional burnout, psychological well-being, health workforce, professional development
Abstract
Background: Healthcare workers experience high rates of stress and burnout related to their working conditions. Several cross-sectional studies have been conducted that focus on pharmacist burnout, but the literature assessing burnout among pharmacy technicians is limited, especially in rural areas.
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess burnout among pharmacy technicians in community and health-system pharmacies in South Dakota.
Methods: This observational mixed methods, student-led study assessed the prevalence of pharmacy technician burnout in South Dakota. A 26-item survey including questions measuring burnout using a modified Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) and modified Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) was sent to pharmacy technicians across South Dakota. Based on responses, a literature-based presentation was created and presented to a focus group that provided feedback on potential interventions.
Results: The survey received 270 responses (21.4%) and four pharmacy technicians participated in the focus group. Overall, pharmacy technicians in both community and health-system settings reported low-to-moderate burnout. Common stressors reported in both ranking and open response included inadequate staffing, workload, mistreatment from patients, work environment/collegiality, management support, and pay. Interventions suggested in open response included improved scheduling, management changes, breaks, non-pay benefits/use of PTO, and increased pay.
Conclusion: Pharmacy technicians in this sample are experiencing rates of burnout consistent with those seen in published studies. Data collected regarding stressors and suggested interventions provides insight into potential interventions to help improve working conditions and decrease burnout among pharmacy technicians.
