Are pharmacists well equipped to deal with global health emergencies? Burnout during COVID-19

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate and assess the burnout effect among pharmacists during COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait. Methods A cross-sectional study using an online self-administered questionnaire was conducted from September 2020 to January 2021. The questionnaire included demographic questions as well as items from the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) to assess burnout in three domains: personal burnout, work-related burnout and client-related burnout. Descriptive statistics, correlations and comparative analysis were performed. Key findings A total of 277 completed responses were received. The overall mean (SD) score for the respondents' burnout was 52.8 (19.1). The mean (SD) burnout scores for the three CBI domains (personal, work-related and client-related) were 56.6 (21.7), 53.9 (21.4) and 47.0 (23.8), respectively. It was found that younger age, female, Kuwaiti, Kuwait University graduates and less experienced participants had higher personal, work-related, client-related burnout scores. Personal and work-related scores were more strongly correlated (r = 0.81); in comparison with their correlation with the client-related score (r approximate to 0.55). Conclusions High burnout scores for pharmacists in Kuwait on a personal, work-related and client-related level during the COVID-19 pandemic were found. Strategies for early identification of burnout and recognition of modifiable factors that affect pharmacists' work in Kuwait are needed to promote pharmacists' psychological well-being.