Article Text
Abstract
Background and importance The 4 year postgraduate Hospital Pharmacy Specialisation Course (HPSC) is a mandatory requirement to become a hospital pharmacist in the national healthcare system in Italy. Despite different laws that have been enforced to create homogeneous national training, a diversified situation still occurs and no Ministry of Health contracts exist for hospital pharmacy interns. After completing the HPSC, subjects with a hospital pharmacy diploma have to pass single hospital public examinations in order to obtain a contract with the national healthcare system. Therefore, securing a permanent contract (PC) as a hospital pharmacist (HP) in Italy is a long process which is not always straightforward.
Aim and objectives The objective of the study was to describe the current situation of HPs aged <45 years in Italy after the HPSC.
Material and methods A cross sectional, descriptive survey of HPs aged <45 years was conducted in Italy (August to September 2019); data were collected through a 31 point SurveyMonkey based questionnaire sent to national society members via email.
Results A 44% response rate was achieved (298/682): 56% aged 35–45 years, 61% with HPSC >3 years ago. During HPSC: 42% had no retribution; 56% obtained a scholarship from the university or hospital; and 2% worked in community pharmacies. Fifty-eight per cent had a PC, 38% a temporary contract (TC) and 4% did not work in a hospital pharmacy. Only 19% of HPs with a PC obtained their specialisation <3 years ago while 34% of HPs with a TC obtained their specialisation >3 years ago; 54% declared that TCs influenced negatively on job satisfaction. HPs with a PC were more satisfied with their professional expectations compared with HPs with TCs (56% vs 40%) while the former agreed more that their responsibilities were proportionate to their role compared with the latter (56% vs 42%). However, HPs with a PC were more stressed compared with HPs with a TC (74% vs 66%), and 30% of HPs with a TC were dissatisfied compared with HPs with a PC (13%).
Conclusion and relevance The results of this survey showed that PCs for HPs should not be taken for granted. The sample demonstrated that TCs and lower retribution were associated with dissatisfaction in HPs and therefore efforts should be made to programme the need for HPs in the national healthcare system.
References and/or acknowledgements No conflict of interest.