Computer-based speech recognition as a replacement for medical transcription.

Authors:
  • FCF S Chew
    F S Chew
  • DDD E Dupuy
    D E Dupuy
  • SKS V Kattapuram
    S V Kattapuram
  • WPW E Palmer
    W E Palmer
  • RYR M Yap
    R M Yap
  • LLL A Levine
    L A Levine
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We have implemented computerized speech recognition in a high-volume clinical setting using a newly developed commercial software system. This paper compares the performance of the computerized system with conventional transcription during a trial week followed by 3 months of routine clinical use. CONCLUSION: The speech recognition system was used for 97% of the cases during the trial week and 87% of cases during the months of continuous use. For a similar mixture of cases, no change occurred in the length of reports after introduction of the computerized system. Speech recognition decreased the time until the report became available by 99% and resulted in a substantial savings in transcription costs. We conclude that speech recognition by computer is practical in a high-volume clinical implementation.