A discrete speech recognition system for dermatology: 8 years of daily experience in a medical dermatology office

A discrete speech recognition system was customized to recognize approximately 9,000 phrases and terms commonly used in dermatology, and has been used on a daily basis since 1984 to produce as many as 65 consult and follow up letters daily. The systems and procedures necessary for the practical use of this system are described, together with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of using this system to automate the transcription of dermatological dictation.