The 2010 Next-Generation Pharmacist^™ profile

The Next-Generation Pharmacist profile was commissioned by Parata Systems and Pharmacy Times to create a portrait of the future of pharmacy practice, and identify the qualities and values of those who are leading the way. More than 200 pharmacists were surveyed nationwide in community, institutional and chain pharmacy settings. The profile sheds light on pharmacists' future goals, the important role of technology and how they see the industry evolving.

Key findings from the 2010 Next-Generation Pharmacist Profile include:

• Pharmacist Work Life/Professional Dreams
• "Helping people" were the words pharmacists mentioned most often when asked what was your most satisfying career accomplishment, and why did you chose this career.
• Roughly 70 percent of pharmacists responded that they are "very satisfied" with their career as a pharmacist.
• Pharmacists felt work hours and insurance/administrative burden are the biggest disadvantages of the pharmacy profession.
• Pharmacists most enjoy patient counseling, while they spend most of their time on dispensing or administrative tasks.
• Less than one-third (28 percent) of pharmacists responded that they are "very satisfied" with the time spent with patients.

• The Legacy of Pharmacy
• Pharmacists felt the practice of pharmacy has changed compared to the previous generation in terms of (1) more patient care and clinical involvement (2) pharmacy automation, electronic presence or technology and (3) insurance changes.

• Current and Future Vision of Pharmacy
• In the future, many pharmacists plan to be more involved in patient care.
• Pharmacists are concerned about the future in terms of: (1) reimbursement changes and insurance, (2) government and the national health care plan and (3) employment concerns or a tight job market.
• Roughly half (51 percent) of pharmacists ranked customer service at their pharmacy as "excellent." Pharmacists felt their customer service was excellent because of their pharmacists or pharmacy techs and their customer focus.
• More time/time savings and improved safety were the most compelling reasons to use technology in their pharmacy.
• Pharmacists believe electronic prescribing and robotic dispensing are the most important technologies for their pharmacies over the next five years.

For a full overview of the 2010 Next-Generation Pharmacist profile, read the Pharmacy Times articles here and here. The Next-Generation Pharmacist profile research was conducted by 360 Intelligent Marketing between March 9 and March 28, 2010 via phone surveys.