Web Exclusive

Additional Ways to Obtain Physician Buy-In for Speech Recognition Technology
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 say the primary ones are 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, Calif.

In a hospital setting, the facility saves money when the technology is used, not physicians. But it’s important that hospital physicians realize even though the technology may not directly save them 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 should also ensure there are open lines of communication with their speech recognition vendor, says Mike Rozmus, chief information officer and vice president of information services at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg, Va.

“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 has 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 do you offer, if any?

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

— Lisa A. Eramo is a freelance writer and editor in Cranston, R.I., who specializes in healthcare regulatory topics, HIM, and medical coding.