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

BACKGROUND: 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: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: In summary, this case study illustrates how speech recognition can be implemented successfully when the user experience is emphasised. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12911-016-0374-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.