Mobile dictation with integration into hospital information systems (HIS)

The majority of Swiss clinics and hospitals are already using a digital dictation system or are planning to introduce a similar solution. Digital dictation management offers a number of improvements over old-fashioned analogue technology, namely concerning process efficiency, security, quality of work and convenience. However, these advantages will not be noted if analogue dictation devices are merely replaced with digital ones.

Benefits – process orientation and integration

In our experience, what is important when replacing technology is dealing with the hospital’s documentation processes and detecting weaknesses. We recommend a suitable process model is developed together with the solutions provider so that actual improvements will emerge from the opportunities brought about by digital dictation. Of particular importance is the integration of the dictation management system into hospital information systems (HIS) to avoid media discontinuities. Many providers offer dictation software which can be launched directly from the HIS, creating dictations using a microphone directly at the PC. For many users this procedure is not ideal, since they wish to create their documents from whichever location they choose and therefore prefer working with a mobile dictation device or a Smartphone.

Integration solution for mobile dictation

Voicepoint offers integration solutions which, besides dictation at a PC, allow for mobile working using digital dictation devices as well as Android, iPhone and Windows Smartphones. Winscribe software provides our customers with a comprehensive solution for dictation management across all departments and locations. The solution is integrated to allow users to scan case numbers from computer screens or paper using their device, create their dictations and transmit them anywhere on the server. Here, further information about the patient is automatically added to the scanned case data (surname, name, date of birth, etc.). This takes place using a HL7 query to the hospital information system. Dictations can be converted into text on the server using speech recognition software and subsequently sent to the secretarial office automatically. Once a file is opened for transcription or correction, the hospital information system navigates directly to the correct case.

Conclusion

The integration described above provides clinics and hospitals with a comprehensive digital dictation management solution which covers all work scenarios and noticeably enhances process efficiency. A number of innovative hospitals in Switzerland have successfully implemented this integration approach and not only received state-of-the-art technology as a result of the digital dictation system but at the same time experienced noticeable improvements in terms of efficiency and quality when collecting and processing information.

We would be delighted to answer any questions you may have regarding digital dictation, dictation management, integration and speech recognition – please get in touch!