Well-trained radiology techs are safety conscious and keenly aware of the risks of radiation exposure. But what about other staff who may come into contact with radiation? The nurse who comes in to help position a patient, for example? Or the receptionist who breezes in and out to deliver messages? Anyone who goes into the imaging area should have a safety orientation and wear a radiation detection badge. Set a good example for staff by being safety-conscious yourself.

Danger from outside

Although the threat of bioterrorism may be remote, the possibility does exist. Appoint someone in your office to review CDC bulletins and stay in contact with your local health department. Periodically remind staff and physicians to be on alert for patients presenting with unusual symptoms that might indicate biological or chemical exposures. If you notice anything unusual, contact your county health department. 

Violence in the medical office, while rare, is something you should be aware of. Whether it's an unruly patient, the angry spouse of a staff member, or a random intruder, a threatening situation must be handled in a way that protects the safety of both staff and patients.

Never hesitate to dial 911 in an emergency. Staff should never try to physically subdue a violent person by themselves. Alternative ways to exit the building should be available and clearly marked, with the doors kept unlocked. Designate a "safe room" which can be locked from the inside and keep a charged cell phone in that room.

Good old-fashioned common sense

Basic things that make a home safe also make a medical office safe. Ice on the walkways outside, loose rugs, bumps in the flooring, uneven door thresholds, doors that are hard to open —  these can all be accidents waiting to happen. Common sense dictates keeping an eye out for potential safety hazards and making repairs as needed.

"Just because it's common sense doesn't mean it's happening," says Bagley. Do a walk-through to look for potentially unsafe situations. Toddler-proof the office even if you don't do pediatrics.

Maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff requires ongoing planning and training, and while some of the suggestions here may seem like overkill for your medical office, it's akin to having good insurance —  you hope you won't ever need it, but if you do you're relieved it's in place and up to date.

Karen Childress, BA, is a certified coach, freelance writer, and healthcare consultant based in Scottsdale, Ariz., with more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She is the writer and publisher of "Intentions: The Newsletter for Successful Physicians," an e-newsletter for physicians and other professionals. She can be reached at editor@physicianspractice.com.

This article originally appeared inthe March 2005 issue of Physicians Practice.