E-News Exclusive

How to Obtain Speech Recognition Buy-In

By Lisa A. Eramo

Speech recognition technology can benefit hospitals if rolled out correctly and with the primary users (ie, physicians) in mind. There are various ways hospitals can obtain physician buy-in for the technology; however, experts stress focusing on the benefits and building a solid relationship with your vendor.

Physicians in a private practice setting may have more incentive to use the technology because it will save them in transcription costs that otherwise would have come directly out of their pockets, says Michael Bliss, MA, a speech recognition trainer and national consultant in San Jose, California.

In a hospital setting, the facility, not physicians, saves money when the technology is used. But even though the technology may not directly save hospital physicians money, it will certainly reduce waiting times for transcribed dictations, help reduce medical errors, and indirectly improve patient care, Bliss adds. He says hospitals can—and should—tout these benefits as reasons physicians should jump on board.

Hospitals also should ensure there are open lines of communication with their speech recognition vendor, says Mike Rozmus, CIO and vice president of information services at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

“The technology is only part of the equation, and the vendor can't guarantee success because the technology worked elsewhere. The vendor needs to be able to work with you as a partner to create and execute a project plan that will allow for mutual success. A strong vendor relationship and project management focus allows for problems to be identified, solutions to be found, and common goals to be achieved,” he adds.

When looking for a speech recognition vendor, experts recommend asking these important questions to help achieve physician buy-in:

Training
• How much physician training do you provide and what does it entail?
• Is the training one on one?
• How often do you provide the training?
• What type of follow-up training or observations do you perform?
• Does the training identify superusers?
• Does the training target physicians who may be resistant?

Integration
• Do you have a working relationship with our EMR vendor?

Workflow
• What customized workflow options, if any, do you offer?

In general:
• How do you incorporate physicians into the overall rollout?

— Lisa A. Eramo is a freelance writer and editor in Cranston, Rhode Island, who specializes in HIM, medical coding, and health care regulatory topics.