Open AccessThe impact of automation on pharmacy staff experience of workplace stressors
Author(s) -
James K. Lynette,
Barlow Dave,
Bithell Anne,
Hiom Sarah,
Lord Sue,
Oakley Pat,
Pollard Mike,
Roberts Dave,
Way Cheryl,
Whittlesea Cate
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international journal of pharmacy practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.42
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 2042-7174
pISSN - 0961-7671
DOI - 10.1111/j.2042-7174.2012.00231.x
Subject(s) - workload , stressor , medicine , pharmacy , focus group , automation , occupational stress , nursing , medical education , clinical psychology , computer science , engineering , business , marketing , mechanical engineering , operating system
Objective Determine the effect of installing an original pack automated dispensing system ( ADS ) on staff experience of occupational stressors. Methods Pharmacy staff in a N ational H ealth S ervice hospital in W ales, UK, were administered an anonymous occupational stressor questionnaire pre‐ ( n = 45) and post‐automation ( n = 32). Survey responses pre‐ and post‐automation were compared using M ann– W hitney U test. Statistical significance was P ≤ 0.05. Four focus groups were conducted (two groups of accredited checking technicians ( ACTs ) (group 1: n = 4; group 2: n = 6), one group of pharmacists ( n = 17), and one group of technicians ( n = 4) post‐automation to explore staff experiences of occupational stressors. Focus group transcripts were analysed according to framework analysis. Key findings Survey response rate pre‐automation was 78% ( n = 35) and 49% ( n = 16) post‐automation. Automation had a positive impact on staff experience of stress ( P = 0.023), illogical workload allocation ( P = 0.004) and work–life balance ( P = 0.05). All focus‐group participants reported that automation had created a spacious working environment. Pharmacists and ACTs reported that automation had enabled the expansion of their roles. Technicians felt like ‘production‐line workers.’ Robot malfunction was a source of stress. Conclusion The findings suggest that automation had a positive impact on staff experience of stressors, improving working conditions and workload. Technicians reported that ADS devalued their skills. When installing ADS , pharmacy managers must consider the impact of automation on staff. Strategies to reduce stressors associated with automation include rotating staff activities and role expansions.