Introduction of digital speech recognition in a specialised outpatient department: a case study

Christoph Ahlgrim, Oliver Maenner, Manfred W. Baumstark

Speech recognition software might increase productivity in clinical documentation. However, low user satisfaction with speech recognition software has been observed. In this case study, an approach for implementing a speech recognition software package at a university-based outpatient department is presented. Methods to create a specific dictionary for the context "sports medicine" and a shared vocabulary learning function are demonstrated. The approach is evaluated for user satisfaction (using a questionnaire before and 10 weeks after software implementation) and its impact on the time until the final medical document was saved into the system. As a result of implementing speech recognition software, the user satisfaction was not remarkably impaired. The median time until the final medical document was saved was reduced from 8 to 4 days. In summary, this case study illustrates how speech recognition can be implemented successfully when the user experience is emphasised.