Designing and validating Pharmacy Ergonomics Assessment Checklist (PEAC): an exploratory mixed-method study

Addressing ergonomic issues in pharmacies is of particular importance as a vital component of the pharmaceutical service chain in the healthcare delivery system in every country. This study developed and validated a comprehensive checklist for the assessment of the ergonomic conditions of pharmacies. This study employed an exploratory sequential mixed‑methods design. In the qualitative phase, focus group discussions with pharmacy staff and food and drug inspectors, combined with an extensive literature review were used to identify relevant ergonomic items. The identified items were then refined and validated through face and content validity. Reliability was assessed using internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and test‑retest stability to confirm repeatability in different situations. Ultimately, item weights were determined using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to enable scoring and decision‑making. Content analysis revealed 23 critical items categorized into three domains: physical, cognitive, and organizational ergonomics. The validation process was characterized robust psychometric properties, including consistency, test-retest reliability, inter-observer reliability, and overall stability, all exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.7. The assessment ranges for the physical, cognitive and organizational ergonomics dimensions of the PEAC were defined as categorical classes. The findings demonstrated that the PEAC is a reliable tool to conduct comprehensive assessment of the ergonomic practices within pharmacies. Moreover, the designed checklist helps not only in pinpointing the main ergonomic issues but also act as a working base regarding specific interventions to improve workplace health and safety. By implementing the PEAC, pharmacy managers can foster a safer work environment that leads to improved employee well-being and productivity.