Re: Dragon Naturally Speaking

From: Su (._at_hotmail.com)
Date: 01/08/05 

Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 17:16:56 -0600

> What I'm finding helpful in the office is using in conjunction with the
> keyboard. For instance, I have a five-stroke command that sets up an
> affidavit, including the introductory portion, affirmations and notary
> block. Once I've typed that much, I insert the cursor and begin to talk.
> If I come to a section that involves a lot of numbers, I'll key them in
> manually, particularly if they need special formatting. I think that, for
> most of us, DNS is going to be most useful as a supplement rather than as
> a replacement for the keyboard.

I don't know how many MTs have your capability in terms of a few quick
keystrokes and things are all set up. But I do know that a lot of medical
professionals are finding ways to do this stuff through voice commands. It
has something to do with macros and templates. As I recall, Barbara Grow was
very firm on the use of both if you're going to have "real production" with
Dragon. You sound like an ideal candidate, should you ever wish to take
things to the next level.

> It's also quite nice on those days when the arthritis in my fingers flares
> up, as it reduces the pain and strain. Even if my productivity wasn't as
> fast with DNS as with the keyboard, there are days when it's worth the
> difference just for the relief it offers and because it's a viable
> alternative to having to take a day off from transcribing.

My sympathies to you. I've got my little aches and pains but I could not
imagine having any time of arthritic condition, let alone having the job of
job that requires poking away at it.

And, as you say, you've found a way to rest your hands but also keep earning
money. What was life like for anyone with arthritis who used a keyboard all
day long with?

> Let's face it, voice recognition is going to affect our future, whether
> we're using it or the HCP's are using it. The real issues are, how will it
> affect us, and how soon?

I don't think it'll stop outsourcing from happening ... but ... I
understanding that Dictaphone is a frontrunner on perfecting the VR systems.
On the downside, you pay a pretty penny for them. I read a message from one
doctor who said he was truly impressed at the accuracy with both English and
oddball orthopedic words (100%), but not enough to spend $1200/month to
lease it. I also saw a video from the director of one Kansas-based hospital
who said they made the switch from outsourcing all of their dictation to
US-based services to using an in-house VR system plus in-house MT editors.
They're saving an estimated $2.5-million a year in transcription costs. I
might be able to trace down the video, if you're interested.