This article was originally published in a sponsored newsletter.

Last week, we started a discussion about optimizing peripherals in your practice, staring with your phone system, printers and router. Let’s continue exploring simple upgrades this week with mice, keyboards, monitors and ambient noise.

Optimizing Desktop Essentials

Like runners with the wrong size shoes or golfers with clubs that are too long, when team members suffer from low productivity, it might be because their equipment is not optimized. Here are some reasons to consider getting more ergonomic mice and keyboards for your staff:

• For faster data entry, opt for full-size wireless keyboards with numeric keypads on the right instead of keyboards with numbers only on top. This layout reduces errors and allows for faster input, which is crucial when quickly entering prescriptions or financial information.
• Invest in wireless, ergonomic mice and adjust the sensitivity on each computer to minimize wrist movement. These updates help prevent repetitive strain injuries such as wrist pain and carpal tunnel.
• Add wrist rests and matching mouse pads to maintain a consistent aesthetic and enhance ergonomic benefits.

Also be sure to tell your staff why you are changing out their equipment. Letting them know how you’re investing in their well-being can be a morale booster.

Improving Screentime

How much time does your team spend looking at their computer screens? The answer is probably most of the day! And in my experience, they typically have at least two programs or windows to work with simultaneously, such as one window with the patient schedule, and the other with the vision plan authorization.

Increasing the amount of monitor space that your employees have will save them a ton of time and frustration, compared to switching back and forth between screens. The best way to do this is either with dual monitors or an ultra-wide monitor for each computer station. Here are a few points to consider when evaluating your screen options:

• Size matters: 18” to 20” monitors are large enough to run dual setups. There's no reason to get larger dual monitors for most office settings, and the small ones are also inexpensive. If you decide to go this route, use two of the same monitors so they are easier to support and look symmetrical.
• If single monitors work better for your team, an ultra-wide curved monitor might be for you. It looks sleek and allows staff to easily see multiple windows at the same time.
• In addition to the rest of the practice, use large monitors in exam rooms to show patients the details of any imaging results more easily.

Creating Your Perfect In-Office Soundscape

Sound can be used to create a welcoming environment and enhance patient privacy. It can also hide the office gossip (not that there is any gossip in your practice!). The most practical way to control the sounds your patients hear inside your practice is through speakers and a sound system. Here are some suggestions about buying and configuring your office sound system that you can implement right away:

• Find a wireless sound system that can be controlled from one computer and has multiple zones. The system should allow different types of music to be played in each zone with independent volume control. Play a shopping playlist in the entryway and optical, and softer music in the exam lanes and hallways to soothe the senses and create privacy.
• Place white noise machines strategically as an additional privacy measure during consultations and to prevent eavesdropping on sensitive conversations. The best places are usually in the hallway outside the exam rooms and lab.

Investing time in planning and choosing the right peripherals can have a lasting impact on your practice. By considering comfort and aesthetics as well as efficiency and security, you can increase morale and overall productivity.

Evan Kestenbaum is a lifelong entrepreneur and data geek who has co-founded and led several successful businesses within eye care. His latest project provides resources and advocacy for people who stutter. Evan enjoys spending time with his wife, Paula, in their most fulfilling role: parents to three adventurous daughters. For questions or comments about this article, please contact ekconsulting@gmail.com.