Effect of voice recognition on radiologist reporting time.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect that voice recognition (VR) has on radiologist reporting efficiency in a clinical setting and to identify variables associated with faster reporting time.

METHODS

Five radiologists were observed during the routine reporting of 402 plain radiograph studies using either VR (n = 217)or conventional dictation (CD) (n = 185). Two radiologists were observed reporting 66 computed tomography (CT) studies using either VR (n = 39) or CD (n = 27). The time spent per reporting cycle, defined as the radiologist's time spent on a study from report finalization to the subsequent report finalization, was compared. As well, characteristics about the radiologist and their reporting style were collected and correlated against reporting time.

RESULTS

For plain radiographs, radiologists took 13.4% (P= 0.048) more time to produce reports using VR, but there was significant variability between radiologists. Significant association with faster reporting times using VR included: English as a first language (r = -0.24), use of a template (r = -0.34), use of a headset microphone (r = -0.46), and increased experience with VR (r= -0.43). Experience as a staff radiologist and having a previous study for comparison did not correlate with reporting time. For CT, there was no significant difference in reporting time identified between VR and CD (P = 0.61).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, VR slightly decreases the reporting efficiency of radiologists. However, efficiency may be improved if English is a first language, a headset microphone, and macros and templates are used.