The global COVID-19 pandemic imposed substantial extra demands on healthcare systems. Yet, the consequences of this ongoing and fluctuating strain on pharmacists' wellbeing, burnout levels, and resilience have not been investigated in depth. To assess variations over time in resilience, burnout, and wellbeing among pharmacists, tracking from June 2020 through March 2021. An electronic questionnaire was shared via social media platforms during June/July 2020. Eligibility extended to all UK pharmacists engaged in patient-contact positions (in community, general practice, or hospital settings). At the questionnaire's conclusion, participants could supply an email address to receive subsequent surveys, distributed in October/November 2020 and February/March 2021. The instruments featured established measures for resilience (CD-RISC 10), burnout (OLBI), and wellbeing (transformed SWEMWBS). Open-ended text fields captured insights on obstacles encountered, beneficial adjustments to professional routines, and assistance required. Initial data comprised 202 submissions in June/July 2020. Among the 145 who opted in for continuation, 87 participated in October/November 2020, and 85 in February/March 2021. Baseline averages from June/July 2020 revealed pharmacist wellbeing (transformed SWEMWBS 21.5) and resilience (CDRISC-10 26.8) falling short of typical population benchmarks, coupled with substantial burnout (OLBI 40.4). Scores remained largely unchanged across periods, reflecting enduring deficits in wellbeing and resilience alongside persistent burnout vulnerability. By February/March 2021, individuals with longer post-registration experience displayed improved wellbeing and resilience alongside reduced burnout. Across the investigation, respondents highlighted various stressors such as intense workloads, patient pressures, insufficient scheduled rest periods, and suboptimal leadership at local and national levels. Peer assistance emerged as the primary effective mechanism for handling these pressures. The findings highlight the challenges and effects of sustained exposure to high-stress environments for pharmacists in the UK.
