Voice Recognition Technology To Stop Hospital Cross-Infections
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Hospitals like our homes are becoming increasingly filled with computers. There are clearly many benefits but the computers bring with them certain risks. As a recent article by Steven Reinberg pointed out, Stomach Flu Is Spread By Contaminated Computer Keyboards. As a U.S. health officials report stated, the highly contagious norovirus, often called the stomach flu, can be passed from one person to another through contact with commonly shared items such as computer keyboards and computer mice.
Steven Davidson and Gregg Malkary even go so far as to call mobile computers Dangerous Devices. They advise that:
Hospitals should explore opportunities to invest in mobile computing devices that can be more easily cleaned and sanitized at point of care with standard commercial cleansers. These devices ideally would be water resistant and hermetically sealed to prevent the entry of microorganisms.
Developing such devices represents some real challenges. Mobile computers in hospitals are in some cases called COWs: that stands for computers on wheels. Perhaps there’s more in the acronym that meets the eye.
Let your voice do the walking.
Another medical announcement this week may suggest another complementary approach. The Pembroke Regional Hospital Board recently approved the purchase of a new voice recognition dictation system for its diagnostic imaging department. Catherine Junop, vice-president of human resources and organizational services at the hospital, said such systems are becoming the standard in hospital used by radiologists to file their reports. The chief advantage of course is that the System speeds medical information sharing. It also incidentally means that less fingers need to touch keyboards. Perhaps a small side benefit of voice recognition technology in hospitals will be less opportunity for the transfer of infectious diseases.
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April 14th, 2008 at 8:05 am
We are receiving Nuance V.R. and, as a Transcription supervisor, I would like to know how to keep track of line counts and also the cost of paying for transcriptionists who edit.
April 14th, 2008 at 10:50 am
I’m afraid I can’t help on that, Karen. I would have guessed that Nuance might have some associated Forums with visitors who would be knowledgeable on that.
I use Nuance in composing these blogs and find it excellent. However I too would be interested in looking at the type of metrics you’re discussing. If anyone else reading this has useful inputs on Nuance V.R. performance measurement and economics, then please add whatever suggestions you may have.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Mobile computers in hospitals is definately the future. It will not only reduce errors but also save money because it is easier to maintain such a system. I would encourage any hospital considering opportunities to invest in mobile computing devices to do so over time (i.e. maintain their current systems and gradually replace automate tasks).