Dictation is an assistive technology that helps kids who struggle with writing by hand or on a keyboard. Learn more about dictation as an AT tool for dysgraphia, dyslexia, and other learning and attention issues that impact writing (opens in a new window).
Dictation uses increasingly sophisticated software to automatically transcribe your spoken words into text on-screen. Here are four things you should know about digital dictation:
1. Accuracy
Dictation is all about capturing your spoken words and turning them into text. For this reason, accuracy is key. Thankfully, digital dictation software has come a long way in recent years. Many of the devices that are now available have studio-quality microphones that allow you to speak clearly, even in noisy environments. This makes a difference when you are working from home or on the go. Additionally, these devices usually have the option to speed up or slow down your speech when recording. This can make it easier for people who have trouble with their hearing or for younger learners to understand what is being recorded.
Unlike tape-based dictation, which relies on mechanical mechanisms (i.e., a motor that can break), digital dictation devices offer great reliability and are much less costly. They are also designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Some models have a slide switch, for example, which allows you to simply press it down in order to begin dictating. This is ideal if you are in a hurry or don’t want to take the time to search for the ‘on’ button.
Many dictation systems are also compatible with speech recognition software, which can turn your recorded words into a typed document. These are ideal if you have a lot of dictations and need to save time. However, it is important to note that this type of dictation is not as accurate as traditional dictation. This is because the software has to read back what you have said in order to turn it into text, which can be difficult for some people.
For this reason, it is a good idea to try out different dictation and transcription software before committing to it. This will help you to find one that works well for your specific needs and workflows.
In addition, digital dictation offers a range of other benefits that can help to increase productivity. It can be a great way to boost efficiency in the office, reduce the need for paperwork and support flexible working. Ultimately, it can help businesses to attract and retain top talent.
2. Ease of Use
Digital dictation allows the user to efficiently store audio information on a computer system or cloud-based software. This decreases the cost, effort, and space involved with keeping audio tapes on hand.
It also improves document creation speed, allowing more information to be recorded quicker and less time spent typing. This is particularly important for those with difficulty moving their fingers or a physical condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome, as dictation offers a solution to these difficulties.
Dictation can be used on various devices, including handheld digital recorders (like those sold by HTH Engineering), mobile phone apps, and desktop computers configured to work with speech recognition software. In the latter scenario, software like Philips SpeechLive and Dragon Medical One converts the spoken word into text and then allows users to edit it. This makes drafting and producing the myriad of clinical correspondence documents and spreadsheets required to run the Trust much easier.
However, some people may find the technology daunting, and the use of certain verbal commands can be limiting. For example, to edit a text file, you might need to know how to say specific phrases such as “delete previous sentence” or “move cursor backward 10 words.” To assist with these issues, many of the most user-friendly dictation software programs feature a window that displays available commands, almost like a cheat sheet, while the user learns the ropes.
Digital dictation tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated and offer a range of benefits to businesses, especially those who deal with a high volume of correspondence. As a result, digital dictation is being integrated into the wider document production ecosystem. This includes practice management systems, customer relationship management (CRM), and document management systems (DMS).
You need to have an effective workflow to take advantage of the financial rewards of meeting CQUIN targets for clinical correspondence. Incorporating dictation into this workflow will help to increase productivity and ensure that the highest levels of accuracy are maintained. It will also enable you to get rid of manual, repetitive tasks that are often the most time-consuming.
3. Time-Saving
Using voice recognition software, digital dictation turns your spoken words into text. As a result, the transcription process is far faster than typing and allows you to work with more textual information.
When it comes to legal and medical documents, time is of the essence. These files must be processed as soon as possible to ensure compliance and accuracy. With the help of a digital dictation system, you can save hours of work by eliminating the need for manual typing and transcription. In fact, speech recognition software can be up to three times as fast as manually transcribed documents.
With the right equipment, you can turn your computer into a digital dictation machine. The software is simple to use and provides an array of features that will allow you to be more productive. You can use the software to create documents, edit existing ones and even search for information in a database. In addition, you can also use the software to send files over email.
Many digital dictation systems are designed to be used on the go. This makes them a great solution for professionals who travel or work away from their offices. This can save time by allowing them to easily access their documents, emails, and other important data. Additionally, digital dictation systems are often easier to use than traditional tape recorders, making them an ideal choice for people who are new to recording devices.
When choosing a digital dictation device, be sure to consider the size, shape, and button placement. Ensure the device is easy to hold and has all the functions you need. Also, remember to learn the different commands. For example, you’ll need to say “new line” if you want to start a new paragraph. It’s also important to know how to punctuate. Be sure to use periods, commas, and question marks correctly.
For organizations utilizing a clinical documentation workflow, the ability to use digital dictation will greatly reduce turnaround times and the number of transcription staff needed. A recent study from the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust produced cash-releasing savings of PS69K per year.
4. Flexibility
Using sophisticated software, digital dictation converts your spoken words into text, saving you more time than typing by hand. It can be used across industries but is particularly popular in sectors such as legal, surveying, and corporate. In fact, there are even specialized platforms designed specifically for healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses, with features that recognize medical jargon.
As well as offering major efficiencies and cost savings, digital dictation can also enable a more flexible working environment. It eliminates the need to physically deliver tapes to a secretary or other staff member, enabling them to be worked on from any location with an internet connection.
In addition, many of the latest dictation devices offer a superior quality of audio, which is important for anyone who wants to ensure their dictations are accurate and clear. For example, modern dictaphones can be used in a range of different environments – including noisy and quiet settings – and can automatically adjust to the best recording mode. This means your typist will be able to easily understand what is being said, even if the environment is a little hectic!
Digital dictation allows typists and secretaries to work more flexibly, too. It can be accessed via a computer or digital handheld recorder and can also be integrated into business apps that allow users to create documents quickly and simply. This kind of technology is a great choice for any professional who wants to work more flexibly and can help attract and retain employees accustomed to flexible working arrangements.
Choosing the right digital dictation platform is crucial for success. It’s important to find one that’s easy to use and that offers the features your business needs. It’s also worth bearing in mind that technology has come a long way over recent years – with platforms like Philips SpeechLive and Nuance Dragon Medical One being highly accurate and able to cope with the most complex industry jargon. A pay-as-you-go model is also an option, which can reduce the risk of a significant upfront investment in the software and can be scaled up or down as your business needs change.
