Diversifying needs and the role of pharmacists

Abstract

As pharmacists perform emotional labor in clinical settings, they are prone to mental stress and burnout due to staff shortages, long working hours, and a lack of support from colleagues. In addition, Japan’s current medical laws impede cooperation and collaboration between pharmacists and other professionals. Despite this, in order to fulfill their professional responsibilities, pharmacists must strive for professional autonomy to provide a certain level of care and services. In order to maintain professionalism and achieve sustainable medical care, it is necessary to alleviate the suffering and conflict of health professionals by disseminating knowledge about emotional labor and creating systems to protect and support professionals, rather than expecting individuals to solve their own issues. It is also considered necessary to harmonize the legal system such that all professionals involved in welfare or the medical field are not legally hindered.