Factors affecting career-related decisions within the contemporary pharmacy workforce in Australia

Introduction

Pharmacists are essential to healthcare delivery in Australia, making effective workforce planning critical to ensure equitable health outcomes. This study explores factors influencing the career decisions of Australian pharmacists from diverse demographic and geographical backgrounds with implications for recruitment, retention and policy strategies to address workforce shortages.

Method

We conducted semi-structured interviews between November 2022–February 2024. An interview guide informed by relevant literature was used to facilitate the interview process. Participants were recruited through purposive convenience sampling complemented by passive snowballing. All interviews were recorded, field notes were taken and the data transcribed, deidentified, and analysed using NVivo software through an inductive thematic process.

Results

Participants exhibited a range of ages, genders, practice settings and locations, which revealed distinct career trajectories and decision-making influences. Three main themes emerged: career initiation (choosing pharmacy as a profession), career development, satisfaction and retention, and the roles of gender, geography and other life issues. Findings indicate that the initial choice to pursue pharmacy was driven by personal aptitude, accessible training locations, promising employability, gender-suitable work configurations, flexibility, and early educational exposure. Early career decisions were shaped by factors such as mentorship, specialised roles, employee benefits, and supportive work environments, while personal life factors further influenced career trajectories. Leadership or ownership aspirations were notably tied to mentors and role models. Limitations include underrepresented perspectives, limited gender diversity among participants, and an all-female research team.

Conclusion

These nuanced insights offer Australian pharmacy leaders and policy makers factors to address or capitalise on, to ensure a robust, equitably distributed and motivated workforce.