Perspectives on speech recognition technology

Speech recognition technology is used in all sorts of applications. However, for radiology, the issues are more complex than merely being able to dial a contact from an address book. In addition, radiologists have been hesitant to embrace the technology, with some preferring the status quo. Speech recognition technology has dramatically improved over the past several years, and they generally have been broadly commercialized. However, the use of speech recognition for composition of text reports or email has had only limited acceptance. The overriding reasons appear to be that most computer users prefer not to talk to their computers. They have learned to compose text documents via a "type-and-organize" methodology rather than composing the document "in their heads" and dictating. Radiologists are still required to dictate their reports, whether it is digitally, into an analog tape recording device or via a speech recognition system. The benefits extend to the radiologist's patients, and to the radiologist's employers--the hospitals or imaging centers--but it could be said that there is little direct benefit for the radiologist There is a belief that systems should focus more on improving radiologist efficiency rather than emphasizing cost savings and turnaround time. Integration with existing systems is critical. But any technology, in order for it to be well accepted by the primary user, needs to benefit that user. Before selecting any speech recognition technology a radiology administrator should do some research and find answers to several questions that address the basics of speech recognition technology and the companies that provide this technology. In addition, the radiology administrator must ensure that the facility is prepared to implement the technology and address any workflow- or culture-related issues that may arise. There are a number of opportunities for improvement in speech recognition radiology applications. These include the ongoing need for improvement recognition rates, the need to streamline integration with picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and radiology information system (RIS) technologies, and the general need to improve the user interface. In addition to these improvements, one can expect an increased adoption of structured reporting technologies within radiology. These techniques allow easier automated extraction of content and more flexible communication and organization of data (such as communication to electronic medical record systems).