Is there a potential pharmacy leadership crisis at small and rural hospitals? Outcomes from a national survey Douglas Fisher, Sara J. White, Debby Cowan, Katie Sheldon, Doug DeJong Mission Hospital - PGY1&2 Health System Pharm. Adm. - Asheville, NC
Background/Purpose: Hospitals with fewer than 200 beds represent approximately 70 percent of the hospitals in the United States, yet tend to be underrepresented in national surveys. Sara J. White's 2013 article on leadership concluded that there is potential for a leadership crisis, but focused on hospitals of all sizes. Additionally, it has been predicted that by the year 2023, three-fourths of pharmacy directors and middle managers plan to retire or resign, potentially leading to a leadership shortage. Therefore, there is an opportunity to identify potential leadership gaps at small and rural hospitals and within leadership training programs. The purpose of this study is to characterize the current state of pharmacy leadership at small and rural hospitals, and leadership development programs nationwide.
Methodology: An online survey was designed by the primary investigator and submitted to pharmacy directors, middle managers and staff pharmacists at small and rural hospitals, as well as health system pharmacy administration (HSPA) program directors. The survey consists of likert-type scale, multiple choice, and dichotomous questions to assess demographics, career satisfaction, career-life balance, ability to fill vacancies, and leadership pipeline. Survey responses are anonymous. Quantitative and categorical data analysis will be performed with Qualtrics" software and additional statistical analysis supported by Mission Research Institute. Data from the surveys will be used to develop recommendations for the prevention of leadership shortages at small and rural hospitals.
Presentation Objective: List factors responsible for a potential leadership crisis at Small and Rural Hospitals.
Self-Assessment: What is one strategy that can mitigate a potential leadership crisis at Small and Rural Hospitals?
