As some of you may know, I am a big proponent of voice recognition (VR) technology. I use the Dragon NaturallySpeaking Speech Recognition software to create structured notes in an electronic chart within the TouchWorks EHR system.

There are several ways to enter clinical data into an electronic chart. These would include options such as text templates, Medcin templates or good old-fashioned typing. Another way to construct a note is to use voice recognition, which has a lot of benefits.

Transcription service turnaround delays are in the range of 24 to 48 hours or longer. Voice recognition has the potential to improve that wait time dramatically. For example, I can have a VR-constructed note available to another provider before a patient leaves my office!

Voice recognition software is easy to use. You simply start speaking into your microphone and the text appears on your screen. Alternatively, you can create what are called macros, personalized templates within the Dragon program. For example, if I say the words "macro shoulder exam" then the program will bring up a template for a comprehensive shoulder exam with defaulted normal findings. I can then edit these findings accordingly.

This video shows how to use Dragon to create a structured note. You can see from the demo that Dragon can be very useful in certain sections of the note, especially within the HPI and Plan sections. The use of a Dragon macro works particularly well within the Physical Examination section.

As with all technology, speech recognition and the hardware that supports it have improved and will continue to improve, making it a viable option to a more computer-literate generation of healthcare providers and health information management professionals.

If you would like to schedule a demo of the Dragon voice recognition product, please contact me. I would be happy to visit your office. Alternatively, please feel free to e-mail me with any questions you may have.

Adrian Rawlinson is the Medical Informatics Director at Brown & Toland Physicians. Reach him at arawlinson@btmg.com.

Software
I am currently using Dragon Medical, version 10.0.
Read an overview of Dragon Medical 10

Microphones
The choice of microphones to use with VR is a complex topic. Personally, I think the USB microphones seem to be more accurate. Nuance (the manufacturer of Dragon) has carried out extensive testing of different microphones, including Bluetooth wireless models.
Read a review of recommended microphones

User Guide
The Dragon user guide covers all editions, provides details on aspects such as installation, optional settings, voice commands and dictation of different types of text. The guide also includes tips and notes to help you use the software more effectively.
Read the User Guide