There is a great debate where voice recognition and technology in the field of medicine headed. Our experts take a look at some ways that voice recognition is affecting medicine.
Future Hospitals
According to the Hospitals and Health Networks, great things are in store for hospitals.
One of the projected uses of voice recognition technology in hospitals is the creation of customized patient rooms that offer unique technology and services.
For example, experts believe that future hospitals will start using touch screen monitors with voice recognition software in every patient room. These will act as paperless patient charts and allow health care professionals to quickly access patient information with simple voice commands.
This gives doctors, nurses and other medical professionals the ability to easily update the patient’s vital signs with this technology.
Webcams would be another addition, meaning that the patient could be remotely monitored. Additionally, specialty physicians in different locations could easily provide a consultation.
Improved Care
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that voice recognition technology should be used by every health care organization. Because of the time and cost saving benefits the technology has to offer. However, ensuring proper training and implementation is necessary for success.
NIH clearly states that this technology greatly improves patient care. Accomplished by increasing timely access to information and documentation legibility and accuracy.
They go on to caution that the initial implementation and installation costs can be quite expensive. But, the amount of time that is being saved on a daily basis using something like Dragon Medical One has to be taken into serious consideration.
Privacy Concerns
Any organization that deals with medical related information must abide by HIPPA. Organizations are motivated to protect privacy because they are liable to consumer complaints and lawsuits.
Unfortunately, newer technology is still vulnerable to hackers and criminals that want to steal personal data. Therefore, health care companies need to maintain the highest software security standards.
Voice Recognition Saves Money
Making use of voice recognition technology empowers doctors to quickly document patient information. Allowing medical records and documentation to be quickly created, saving money.
Reducing the amount of time needed for doctors to document is good for the patient. But, not all doctors are happy about this. Because it reduces their billable activities.
Emergency Department Upgrades
Quite possibly the busiest place in a hospital is the emergency department. There can be long wait times with minimal medical staff available, impacting patient care dramatically.
With the help of voice recognition technology, many hospitals are improving efficiency and quality of patient care. Doctors can simply interact with patients and then document their notes afterwards. This means that the patient can enjoy a genuine face-to-face interaction. As opposed to a doctor who is multitasking with listening, typing, and trying to talk with the patient.
In addition to this, all this information is automatically uploaded into the patient’s electronic health record. Resulting in the patient being able to immediately access this information through their online health portal.
Technology in The Field of Medicine
In closing, voice recognition technology is making great strides in the field of medicine. The technology increases accuracy, saves time and improves patient care.