Background: This research is being conducted against a backdrop of reported workforce shortages in pharmacy 1-4. A review of membership data (2001) identified pharmacist movement overseas as one potential component contributing to the workforce shortage5. However, no previous research on this group, who form a substantial proportion of the GB Pharmaceutical Register (approximately 11%), has yet been conducted. The research reported here is primarily concerned with exploring why GB qualified pharmacists living overseas left GB, and whether they plan to return. It is hoped findings will inform future workforce planning and development.

Aims & Objectives: (1) Determine the extent of pharmacist movement abroad and describe characteristics of pharmacists; (2) Explore motives behind reasons for movement and intentions of returning to pharmacy in a health care setting in GB. (3) Determine barriers to movement.

Methodology: Ongoing longitudinal analysis of Register data is helping to identify the extent of movement over time, the characteristics of pharmacists who leave GB, and the countries of destination. An initial qualitative investigation provided insight into movement patterns, with findings informing the design of a questionnaire that was piloted with a 5% sample of those migrating from GB. Due to the distance involved with the interested group, the initial qualitative investigation used email as a tool for data collection, which removed time differences and reduced costs. A postal version of the questionnaire was then sent to all pharmacists in this group (a census: n=3659). A reminder, in electronic form, was issued some time later to increase the response rate.

Results: A response rate of approximately 54% has been achieved and respondents are representative of the group as a whole with an even distribution of genders and most being aged between 25-49. Based on their reason for migration several groups of pharmacists have been identified (this varies depending on the destination country). The most common typologies or themes [% of all respondents saying this is the most important reason] are:

Returning home (15.2%); Lifestyle (14.6%); Career opportunities (13.9%);
Partner's job (8.3%); Partner's nationality (7.8%); Financial improvement (4.7%)

Discussion: It is reassuring that responses so far suggest that reasons for movement are not related to negative experiences of working in pharmacy in GB, but to non-work related issues such as returning home, lifestyle changes, or positive career opportunities. It appears the pull factors to most destinations are stronger than the push factors from GB.

References
[1] DOH. Department of Health Vacancies Survey (1999-2002). 2002.
[2]. Gartside,R. (2001): Only radical change can tackle community pharmacist workload and shortages. The Pharmaceutical Journal, 267:226.
[3] Hassell,K., Fisher,R., and Nichols,L. (2002): Contemporary workforce patterns and historical trends: the Pharmacy Labour Market over the last forty years. The Pharmaceutical Journal, 269: 291-296.
[4] Anon (1997): Pharmacists go walkabout at 30? Chemist & Druggist.
[5] Hassell, K and Shann, P. RPSGB membership database review. 31-1-2002.