Workload analysis and pharmaceutical staffing needs at RSUD Merah Putih using the WISN (Workload Indicators of Staffing Need) method

Abstract

Background: Inadequate alignment between pharmaceutical staffing and workload may reduce service efficiency, increase staff workload, and compromise service quality and patient safety. Therefore, staffing requirements should be determined objectively based on actual workload. Objective: To analyze the workload profile and determine the staffing requirements for Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Technical Personnel (PTP) at the Pharmacy Department of RSUD Merah Putih using the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) method. Methods: This descriptive observational study with a cross-sectional design used time-motion observations of 9 Pharmacists and 15 Pharmaceutical Technical

Personnel, each observed for five working days. Data were complemented by in- depth interviews with the Head of the Pharmacy Department and a review of 2025

pharmacy service documents. Staffing requirements were analyzed using the WHO WISN 2023 guideline. Results: Health service activities accounted for the largest workload component across all pharmacy service units. WISN analysis showed a slight staffing surplus of pharmacists in the outpatient pharmacy, whereas the inpatient pharmacy experienced a shortage of approximately 14 pharmacists. For Pharmaceutical Technical Personnel (PTP), the outpatient pharmacy also showed a slight staffing surplus, while the inpatient pharmacy and the Emergency Department (ED) experienced shortages of approximately 4 and 12 PTP, respectively. In contrast, the Central Surgical Unit (CSU) showed a surplus of approximately 1 PTP. Conclusion: Pharmaceutical workforce distribution was uneven. WISN analysis provides an objective basis for workforce planning, redistribution, and staffing according to workload.