Voice recognition dictation: Analysis of report volume and use of the send-to-editor function

Dennis R. Williams, Sheila K. Kori, Brenda Williams, Sandra J. Sackrison, Henryk M. Kowalski, Michael G. McLaughlin, Brian S. Kuszyk

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate use of the send-to-editor function of a radiology voice recognition dictation system and compare study volumes of radiologists who self-edit with those of radiologists who send reports to the editor. Use of voice recognition shortcuts was also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Voice recognition dictation systems were installed in a six-hospital system, including an 800-bed tertiary care center and five community hospitals, in 2002. This became the only means of radiologist dictation in July 2005. Report volumes, use of the send-to-editor function, and use of shortcuts were tracked from October 2005 through October 2008. A subspecialty private radiology group, ranging from 37 radiologists in July 2005 to 50 radiologists in October 2008, interpreted the imaging studies. Radiologists had no financial incentives to self-edit. RESULTS. The percentage of radiologists using the send-to-editor function remained relatively constant at 46%, resulting in 21% of total reports sent to the editor. Radiologists who used the send-to-editor function dictated approximately 41% more reports than those who self-edited. The volume of reports generated by general radiologists reading large volumes of computed radiography cases and sending to the editor was greater than that of radiologists who self-edited (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between radiologists who selfedited and those who sent to the editor with respect to number of shortcuts used. CONCLUSION. Radiologists reading large volumes of computed radiography cases and using the send-to-editor function generated significantly more reports than radiologists who did not, suggesting that the send-to-editor function may be useful for improving productivity among radiologists reading large volumes of computed radiography cases.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1069-1074
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology
Volume201
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Dictation
  • Editor
  • Self-edit
  • Voice recognition

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