Direct PC Dictation

Direct PC Dictation

Direct Dictation to a PC can be defined as real-time dictation through an input device that is connected to the sound card of the PC. This same PC has the speech recognition software installed and the user has been set up and enrolled on the PC. Input devices can be a special noise-cancelling headset -- usually provided with the software or special mics -- hand-held (Philips SpeechMike), array mics or a desktop pedistal mic. Obviously the PC can be a portable (notebook) unit or a floor or desktop unit configured as a minitower or as a conventional desktop in a horizontal configuration.

Real-time dictation refers to the fact that as the user dictates his text is appearing on the screen of the computer’s display. This has advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are: 1) the user gets immediate feedback on his performance and the accuracy of the software recognition; 2) this method permits the use of pre-formatted templates (SOAP Notes) and 3) dictation can occur in-front-of the patient to provide collaborative communication and a reinforcement of the physician’s understanding of the patient’s symptom statements. The disadvantages are: 1) there is a tendency of the user to concentrate on viewing the PC display rather than focusing on the organization of the dictation: 2) the user is tethered to the PC by the length of the cord to the headset or mic and 3) the user must go to where the PC is located -- his office, a communal dictation office or where he has left the notebook computer.

Notebook PCs versus stationary Desktop PCs

It has been our observation that the majority of our clients prefer to use notebook computers. There are obvious benefits to using this type of PC. They are: 1) the user can dictate in the office, hospital, automobile or at home; 2) the physician’s patient charts are with him at all times and 3) the notebook can be brought into the examining room and used there. The disadvantage of a notebook PC is the risk of theft or loss. This risk needs to be addressed and that is why the @Backup service is offered to our clients. See the Client Support page for details on the @Backup service.

Direct Dictation versus Recorder Dictation

The following describes our experiences in working with many medical practices in applying this technology:

90 to 95% of our clients do Direct Dictation to a PC as opposed to Recorder Dictation and then automatic transcribing by speech recognition software.
They choose the above for the obvious reason -- To eliminate all labor costs to transcribe the dictation, format the text and process any document (save, retrieve, print, fax etc.).
You cannot dictate into a structured SOAP template by using a recorder. Therefore, you have to do a lot of repeating of your note's headings -- Physical, Medication, Problem, DOB, MR No. Plan, etc.
In addition, you cannot have a SOAP Note template prepopulated with various 'Normal Observations', thereby permitting you to only dictate exceptions to normals. This can save a lot of unnecessary work.
Another benefit of Direct Dictation to a PC using a template is that the current visit template fields or various heading text can be populated with the previous visit's template fields. Again this can save time and effort.
The Direct Dictation method eliminates the physician's dependence on transcriptionists, internal staff and the associated possible gaps in work output because of illness, vacations, RSI injury, retirement, etc.
Annual savings can be considerable depending upon many variables -- no. of patients, length of the note, consult letter detail and number of other consulting entities receiving copies. Some of our clients have saved $20,000 to $30,000 per year. The average seems to be $8,000 to $15,000.
The single most negative of the Direct Dictate method is the fact that the dictator must proof read the dictated text and make the required corrections to any misrecognitions. Of course, this should not be a problem when the recognition accuracy is high because of the use of our medical specialty vocabulary. It doesn't take long to correct 1 or 2 misrecognitions out of 100 words and punctuations. The dictator is the most logical one to make corrections expeditiously and eliminate the round-robin correction and approval process.
Unless you are motivated to do the above, are somewhat computer literate and don't get frustrated when problems arise -- don't adopt Direct Dictation.

The above considerations are relevant and significant for those physicians who are:

Concerned about their productivity because their patient visit load is high or increasing.
Seeing many repeat patients whose problems, symptoms and medications are repetitive and similar from visit to visit.
Close to their dictation workstation (office) which is centrally located to the examining rooms.
Prepared to make the personal preference adjustments in moving away from portable recorders.

Even though Direct Dictation has its preferences by many of our clients, we do have certain physicians, who use recorders in addition to the Direct Dictation method. See the Recorder Dictation page. Click here to go there.

Go to Top

Voice: 413-732-7321 -- Fax: 413-732-1616 -- e-mail: ken_fetterhoff@wfsco.com


	[Home] [About Us] [Register] [Dictation Methods] [Direct PC Dictation] [Recorder Dictation] [Online Demos] [Company News] [Client Support] [Resources/Tools] [Staff Intranet]