Part of a global workforce: Migration of British-trained pharmacists

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.