The present difficulties associated with the recruitment and retention of pharmacists within the profession is a cause of concern and has led to the development of many local issues in an attempt to address the problem. Whilst research into the factors influencing the recruitment and retention of qualified pharmacists is clearly important, research relating to the recruitment of undergraduate pharmacy students might prove more valuable. This group of workers represents a significant proportion of individuals seeking employment within the profession, and therefore information about the factors influencing their choices could be used to design future recruitment strategies.

This study addresses the practice sector choices of final year pharmacy undergraduate students at four Schools of Pharmacy within the United Kingdom using a questionnaire administered by a faculty member within each School. The questionnaire was developed using both the available literature ^1,2 and information obtained following a selection of qualitative interviews with recently qualified pharmacists. The questionnaire was piloted on a group of pre- registration pharmacists and changes incorporated into the final version before distribution to the four Schools involved in the study namely; Brighton, Cardiff, King's College and Nottingham. A total of 221 questionnaires were returned, representing an overall response rate of 58% (range 27 to 82% for individual Schools), from a population predominantly female (69%) between the ages of 20 and 24 years (95%). Almost all students had previous work experience of either community (100%) or hospital pharmacy practice (81%), although the length of experience varied greatly. The students secured pre- registration placements in mainly the community (53%) and hospital (43%) practice settings. The three factors most frequently cited by students as important influences when selecting their choice of sector were "allows for professional development"(94%), "use of professional knowledge"(94%) and "finding the work personally rewarding"(89%). Significant associations were identified between some of the influencing factors when the pre- registration placement choice of the student was studied (using Chi squared test; p<0.05). Students who had accepted a position in community practice felt it would offer them a better chance of passing their pre-registration examination (p<0.01), better financial reward (p<0.01) and was in their preferred geographical location (p<0.01). Those who had accepted a position in the hospital sector thought that the work would be interesting (p<0.01) and challenging (p<0.05).

These findings are similar to studies involving American pharmacy graduates who reported that finding the work "personally rewarding" was the most frequently cited factor.^2,3 Whilst this information can be used to improve the marketing strategies used by both community and hospital managers it has broader implications for career planning within the profession as a whole. The factors most frequently cited by students suggests that unless a clear career pathway is developed by the profession, embracing these aspects, then recruitment and retention will continue to be problematic.

References

1. Besier JL, Jang R. Factors affecting practice-area choices by pharmacy students in the Midwest. Am J Hosp Pharm (1992); 49 : 598-602.
2. Carter ED, Segal R. Factors affecting pharmacists selecting of their first practice setting. Am J Hosp Pharm (1989); 46 : 2294-2300.
3. Henderson ML, Caiola SM, Dickson WM et al. Pharmacy student and faculty perceptions on pharmacy career opportunities. Am J Pharm Educ (1986); 50 : 444-449.