Pharmacists' Professional Satisfaction and Challenges: A Netnographic Analysis of Reddit and Facebook Discussions.

Abstract

Pharmacists, essential healthcare providers, face significant challenges in professional satisfaction and well-being. This study investigates the factors influencing pharmacists' professional satisfaction, mainly focusing on workload, organizational support, job autonomy, work-life balance, and resilience against burnout. Data were collected from relevant online forums on Facebook and Reddit using a netnographic methodology. The data were anonymized and thematically coded to identify key themes from 23 conversation threads, primarily involving or concerning Romanian pharmacists. The analysis revealed several critical issues: widespread dissatisfaction with salaries, challenges in professional recognition, and the demanding nature of university education. Additional themes included economic and financial insights, global trends and technological impacts, personal experiences and satisfaction, professional growth and education, regulatory and market environment, and workplace dynamics. Findings indicate these factors significantly impact pharmacists' job satisfaction and overall well-being. The study concludes that addressing these issues through targeted interventions, such as policy reforms, educational updates, and enhanced organizational support, can improve the professional lives of pharmacists, thereby enhancing their contributions to healthcare outcomes.