Complex Work Environments Can Lead to Pharmacist Fatigue

Pharmacists work in complex settings, with some community pharmacists being required to stand for up to 12 hours at a time, skip lunch breaks, or avoid bathroom breaks. This overwhelming workload can lead to occupational fatigue, or burnout. Occupational fatigue is defined as mental and physical state that inhibits a worker’s ability to function, and it can be brought on by excessive workload, according to Taylor Watterson, PharmD, with the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, during a presentation at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Annual Meeting & Exposition in Seattle, WA.