Recognizing, reversing, and preventing hospital pharmacist burnout.

The stress-related syndrome of "burnout" is reviewed, especially as it relates to work in hospital pharmacy. Included are suggestions for preventing and reversing burnout among hospital pharmacists. Burnout comprises a distinct series of symptoms that involve a regressive spiral in personal energy, vitality, and interest; it may be described as a disease in personal relationships. The five stages of burnout are: (1) physiological, (2) social, (3) intellectual, (4) psycho-emotional, and (5) spiritual. Regeneration from burnout can be pursued more systematically by striving for balance among these five aspects of life. Certain characteristics of hospital pharmacists increase their susceptibility toward burnout. Preventing imbalance/providing balance in one's life is a basic personal responsibility; no one can do it for another person. However, attentive management can provide conditions that help pharmacy staff members prevent burnout. Preventing burnout requires learning from past burnout-prone behavior and making the necessary changes in life style.