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In Perspective
Leo van der Reis, M.D.
April 2004
Speech Recognition in Medical Practice
Many of the changes that take place in medical practice are the result of pressures to economize. Thus it follows that new techniques that become available in the general market place also are adapted to use in medicine.
The need to communicate and to communicate clearly is an essential part of the practice of medicine. Clarity of communications, both oral and written, must be present in order to prevent catastrophic events. The evolution in the information technology world has also had an impact on medicine. Medical record keeping is shifting from handwritten and dictated typewritten records to more sophisticated means. Shortening of time devoted to record keeping has become possible through the application of voice recognition. In addition accuracy, confidentiality, accessibility is improved, while the users reap simultaneously cost savings.
Just about everyone encounters speech recognition on a daily basis. In its simplest form, whereby no extensive vocabulary or training is needed, information is given over the telephone in response to simple questions.
In order for speech recognition to be useful in medicine a far greater specialized vocabulary is needed, while integration with recording/transcription is essential.
In practice speech recognition dictation can take place at any location where a recording device is located, whether handheld or stationary, for example attached to a computer. Either way the received data, the words spoken, are automatically displayed on a computer screen. The recorded material can be corrected by either the individual who has spoken the words or by an assistant who is familiar with the matter at hand. Locations for dictation can be on local computers or extend over networks covering entire institutions. Relay and access to the stored data is readily possible facilitating building dictations on data pulled from stored reports as well as transmittal to other locations worldwide.
Several companies, large and small, have entered the field of speech recognition. It is important that the product includes workstation interfaces, customized to the physician(s) as well as the ability to network and bring together dictation from various points. One company that has produced such a practice system specifically designed for the practice of medicine is Breveon located in Mountain View, California. The large technical companies, such as Philips Electronics, also market various speech recognition systems.
The reduction in transcription overhead alone will bring the physician significant savings. It is estimated that in the United States 35 billion dollars is annually spent on medical dictation! In addition, a speech recognition dictation system keeps patient records in the physician’s control and alleviates the liability inherent in sending records out for transcription.
Individual savings of $ 3000-$ 5000 per physician are not uncommon. Physicians in groups as well as institutions should seriously consider implementation. The rationale clearly exists.
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Kathleen O’Connor, MA, Publisher, The O’ConnorReport, writes a regular column for The Seattle Times. Visit www.oconnorhealthanalyst.com for more information.
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