Pharmacist Quality of Work-Life During COVID-19 Pandemic in Cagayan de Oro

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists have been one of the most accessible healthcare workers working in the frontline providing the medication and drug needs of patients. Their roles and responsibilities in work expanded and to some redefined as the pandemic hit. Adjustments in their work, and workplaces were also implemented in adherence to the pandemic situation. The quality of work life of frontline pharmacists were affected because of the changes brought by the pandemic. A descriptive qualitative study design was used to determine the pharmacist’s quality of work-life during the COVID-19 pandemic in Cagayan de Oro City. The place was selected because of the constant surge of COVID-19 cases within the Northern Mindanao Area. Eight frontline pharmacists were randomly selected through purposive sampling with the criteria of working during the pandemic, being pharmacists in Cagayan de Oro City, and working in the frontlines as community or hospital pharmacists during the pandemic. The data collection was done through individual in-depth interviews about the variables that may affect the pharmacist's quality of work-life such as stress, control in the environment, job satisfaction, professional commitment, work-home conflict, and organizational commitment. Thematic analysis was done to generate the results of the study. Results of the study revealed the pandemic has significantly affected the quality of work-life of pharmacists. Their stress in their work environment affected their home situation due to fear of viral infection. Stress in their work was due to multiple factors such as lack of staff, performing multiple tasks, discomfort due to PPE's etc. The study also revealed that pharmacists developed resilience as having to perform multiple tasks while practicing time management. Pharmacists were recognized and appreciated as they felt a sense of fulfillment being recognized as a significant player in their organizations.