Pharmacy Manpower Project

[BMBiology]

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This study was cited again and again as to why more pharmacy schools should open.

http://www.pharmacymanpower.com/about.jsp

Here is an example from the Dean of the Chapman University explaining why another pharmacy school in California should open:

"We also noted in early 2012 that the Pharmacy Manpower Aggregate Demand Index, which gauges need as accurately as any predictor might in an incredibly complex industry, was trending toward the upper half of balance of demand and need toward demand-need imbalance with the beginning signs of moderate demand. Having seen the great recession effects on housing in Orange County and the early stages of recovery in CA, it was clear to us that demand would grow. Many health-delivery organizations are transforming themselves toward the well-known “Triple Aim.” They advised this would increase pharmacists’ opportunities in heretofore unforeseen areas."

However, I can't find any information on this study besides this:

"About ADI

Through its member organizations, the Pharmacy Workforce Center (PWC) seeks to collect, analyze and disseminate data on the supply of licensed pharmacists in the United States, the demand for pharmacy services and related pharmacy student and workforce issues for educational, scientific, or charitable purposes. For questions about the Pharmacy Workforce Center, contact Lynette Bradley-Baker at the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy ([email protected]).

The data reported here were submitted by a panel of persons who participate in the hiring of pharmacists on a direct and regular basis. It is intended that the panel represent the major geographic and practice sectors of pharmacy practice in the United States. Membership on the panel is by invitation from PWC members and consultants. Data submitted by panel members are confidential. Panelists are not compensated for participation. For questions about the Aggregate Demand Index, contact Katherine Knapp at Touro University College of Pharmacy ([email protected]).

Demand categories

5 = High demand: difficult to fill open positions
4 = Moderate demand: some difficulty filling open positions
3 = Demand in balance with supply
2 = Demand is less than the pharmacist supply available
1 = Demand is much less than the pharmacist supply available

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only. Neither the Pharmacy Workforce Center nor any of its affiliates shall be liable for any errors or delays in the content or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

 

[BMBiology]

I have a few questions:

(1) who is funding this mysterious study?
(2) what are the questionnaires that they sent out? How do we know the questionnaires are reliable?
(3) who are on the panel and do they represent the whole profession?

 

[fullmetalphrm]

Follow the money.

Our wages were horrendously inflated, the average pharmacist brings very little value to the table anymore and a grand scheme like this would allow an entire forest of trees to be lowered by a dozen feet in one fell swoop.

Between reading about schools being funded by retail companies and the compensation for being an accrediting board member, it just comes down to simple "gotta look out for number one" mathematics.

 

[RxStudentatUB]

These things are never reliable. Just like looking for an apartment on Craigslist. On paper, sounds great. You get to the actual house for a visit, you run back to your car and speed off. I am almost on my way to rejecting my offer to University of Minnesota. Really close to throwing it all away for something else. Sigh.

 

[baronzb]

An academic (and therefore biased) created the Manpower Project. From glancing over it, it is obvious that its main flaw is that it only seeks employer feedback, which is voluntary. Hence, only employers that can't find workers will report. Pharmacists looking for work are not factored in. I believe what constitutes a shortage is biased as well.