Journal of Health Services Research and Policy
Volume 13, Issue SUPPL. 2, 2008, Pages 32-39

Part of a global workforce: Migration of British-trained pharmacists (Conference Paper)

Hassell K.* , Nichols L. , Noyce P.
  • a Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom, Department of Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom, Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
  • b Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
  • c Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom, Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom, Workforce Academy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom

Abstract

Objectives: Many countries, including the UK, have identified a shortage of pharmacists, partly due to emigration. This study was undertaken to examine the extent and nature of migration taking place among British-qualified pharmacists. Methods: Mixed methods, including secondary analysis of quantitative data, qualitative research and a large self-completion survey of all British-registered pharmacists with an overseas address. Results: Almost 11% of British-registered pharmacists reside overseas. Nearly three-quarters are British-trained and most are UK nationals. The US, Canada and Australia are the main destinations. The majority work as pharmacists in health services, but sizeable proportions are either retired, not working for other reasons or work in industry. Those who emigrate include those returning home, moving for career opportunities, for lifestyle reasons or as a 'spouse trailer'. For many the move abroad is a permanent one. Conclusions: Great Britain is both a source and destination country for migrating pharmacists. Emigration currently exceeds immigration. Pharmacists are not migrating to developing countries, so the profession may want to consider ways of contributing to the health care systems in developing countries which are the source of some of the immigrant pharmacists to Great Britain. © The Royal Society of Medicine Press Ltd 2008.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

career lifestyle Australia developing country register Pharmacists middle aged health service priority journal Aged Great Britain qualitative research United States Humans male Canada female Conference Paper adult migration United Kingdom Emigration and Immigration health care system quantitative analysis pharmacist employment Data Collection secondary analysis health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-44149116780&doi=10.1258%2fjhsrp.2007.007100&partnerID=40&md5=a1077632d7eeadee6144d798382192c9
DOI: 10.1258/jhsrp.2007.007100
ISSN: 13558196
Cited by: 5
Original Language: English