Part of a global workforce: migration of British-trained pharmacists.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Hassell
Karen
K
Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. Karen.hassell@manchester.ac.uk
Nichols
Liza
L
Noyce
Peter
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003625:Data Collection; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006113:United Kingdom