It used to be that an office manager with a swift hand at typing and an accurate date book could handle the everyday activities of a practice. Nowadays the doctor's office is as high-tech as most corporations. But with the increased use of computers comes the possibility of an increase in injuries and, in turn, an increase in lost revenues for the practice. Although computers are unrivaled as a labor-saving device, they still require repetitive keyboard, mouse and trackball motions that can lead to injury. With increased dependence on computers, there is less and less need for employees to walk about the office.
Air quality is another critical factor in office health.
Electronic equipment, including computers, fax machines and photocopiers, generates hot, stale air that is not always easy to ventilate, especially if the practice is located in an older office building. Hot, stale air can lead to fatigue, alertness problems as well as colds and upper respiratory ailments. A logical starting point is the workstation. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to examining options. The workstation should have a glare-resistant surface area at least two feet deep to contain a computer's main unit and monitor.