Easing The Burden Pt.2

The recovery from the greatest global health pandemic of our time has been made possible by countless professionals. We celebrate and honour each and every person who has contributed to solutions. Front-line medical professionals have been rightfully lauded. And in this most deserved recognition, there is one group that seems to be overlooked, the Pharmacist.??

This is part two of the article series adapted from my?white paper, discussing how pharmacists are supporting a depleted healthcare system at the cost of their own wellness.?

Last year I had the privilege to work with Pharmacists coast-to-coast-to-coast. I have heard about the joys of being of service to their fellow Canadians, and the challenges that come along with being on the frontlines. How many times can a pharmacist be asked the same questions? Well over 100 times, reportedly. Imagine trying to do complex cognitive work while being interrupted over 100 times to answer the same question! Time on-task is fleeting. The demands are real. And the stakes are as high as they can get!?

Self-inquiry and discovery can be the first step in addressing burnout. This practice involves acknowledging and validating the stressors to then execute a tailored approach of recovery. Identifying the key areas of burnout can be established using the key areas of the Maslach Burnout Inventory Health Services Survey (Workload, Control, Reward, Community, Fairness & Values), and a behavioural perspective to address life-with-work integration.?

Take time to reflect on your responses?

• What areas need attention immediately?
• What is the cost of in-action if I don’t address these areas? Imagine what it would look like and feel like if this area was addressed.
• What is the first step in taking committed action to address this area??

WORKLOAD?

Identify your top three daily priorities. Schedule time-on-task to complete the task with a deadline. For example, by the halfway point in my shift, I will be completed 2 of the 3 tasks. Use your boundaries to ensure that you can meet this goal. We often overestimate what we can do in a day and underestimate what we can do in an hour when we spend time on task. Ultimately, your workload needs to be within the scope of human limits.?

VALUES?

At the heart of burnout is a deep experience with depletion. We feel disconnected from our values. Time spent outside of our values hurts us both physically and psychologically. We need to make what matters most, matter most. Ensure we are building a professional practice that is not at cost of our relationships, including the relationship you have with yourself. Living wholeheartedly in every domain of your life is the most powerful defence to combat the celebrated norm of hustling, the praise of exhaustion, and the disease to please others.?

REWARD?

From a behavioural perspective, if we are not reinforced often enough, it is extremely challenging to continue. And if we receive punishment (angry customer, negative feedback, or lack of acknowledgement), it is even more likely we will not be able to continue. Your rewards do not require money or food. It is the perspective that matters. Giving yourself time off task, and being unproductive without feeling guilty or enjoying your favourite shows or books counts. Be sure to label your behaviour as a reward to deepen the benefits. “I am having this 10-minute stillness break to enjoy my coffee in peace, because I am working hard, and I deserve to take time to recharge and replenish”. It is important to have daily rewards and long-term rewards.?

COMMUNITY?

Collaboration and being part of a team is critical for preventing burnout. You cannot carry the weight of your professor alone. Seek connection. Build the social capital within your team. Build trust, mutual respect, foster cooperation, and acknowledge effort. When people feel connected and share the vision of what the work culture can be, work becomes more sustainable and enjoyable.?

CONTROL?

Identify the locus of control – decipher your controllables. You may not be able to control how many times your patients ask you the same question in a day. Pharmacists have shared with me that some days they answer the same question over 75 times! You can control how you respond. Coach yourself: I will respond in a kind and professional manner because this is who I am and how I want to show up for the people who are counting on me.?

FAIRNESS?

Ensuring that equity, inclusion, and diversity are authentically practiced in all areas of a workplace is crucial for fostering a sense of fairness and respect. We need to create spaces where all people are seen and heard. It is not just having a seat at the table.?It is having a voice too.?

So many people start their day with this feeling of scarcity; not enough sleep, too little time, lack of support, or lack of feeling motivated to change. My invitation is to prioritize what matters most. Shift your perspective to a mindset of sufficiency. You already have everything you need to do this work. Awaken a rich sense of sufficiency and know that you deserve to be well. It is not selfish to practice self-care. It is science. Take the time you need to be well and stay well. Our country needs you. And for that, WE thank YOU for your service.?

Take good care my friends,

Dr. Robyne

Interested in this topic? Please join me next week as I discuss new practices for maintaining a resilient life. ?