Tomorrow's transcription tools: what new technology means for healthcare

The year is 2006, and there are just a few hundred medical transcriptionists (MTs) still transcribing reports, serving only those older physicians who haven't changed with the times--and the times have definitely changed. Physicians have finally recognized the power of electronic health records (EHRs) as well as the fact that this power is realized only if they input clinical data directly into the EHR. The vast majority of physicians are using empirically refined templates, pick lists, and other methods of structured, codified input through the evolved progeny of today's Palm PCs, Pocket PCs, and Tablet PCs. Input methods include touch-screen, speech recognition, handwriting recognition, and perhaps other technology not yet invented. There are no longer any delays or expenses resulting from transcription. Plus healthcare organizations enjoy numerous benefits derived from analyzing codified clinical data. But this is only one vision. Another vision of 2006 incorporates an unavoidable reality: many physicians strongly resist directly inputting clinical data. They believe it slows them down, which outweighs the potentials overall healthcare benefits. Additionally, these physicians believe that structured input of patient information limits the freedom of expression afforded by free text. And frankly, these physicians don't put much stock in the value of clinical practive analysis. So transcription continues. In fact, it expands dramatically. Due to regulatory controls and other pressures, more providers dictate more clinical notes than ever. The need for MTs explodes. In 2006, there are half a million MTs required to convert voice dictations into text, more than double today's number.