Voice recognition reduces report turnaround time

Even partial use of a voice recognition system can significantly speed up radiologist report generation, enabling more clinicians to view images with the corresponding reports, according to a study presented at the 2005 SCAR meeting.

Twice as many clinicians view images with reports now than was the case prior to installation of voice recognition, according to researchers at Fort Collins Radiologic Associates in Colorado.

Physician use of PACS improved with the addition of partial voice recognition for report generation and with the use of a standardized report form for abdominal/ pelvic CT. The study also reported that the majority of clinicians prefer a structured report style, which they find easier to read, with relevant information easier to find.

Despite the decrease in report turnaround time, investigators found that only half of clinicians always viewed studies with interpretations. Report turnaround time generally remained too slow to keep pace with image availability and clinician demands.