Digital dictation is not simply about saving time and being more efficient. When taken full advantage of, the right software can help improve patient care. Managing director of Lexacom, Dr Andrew Whiteley, gives an insight into the true benefits of digital dictation.
Why go digital?
own frustration with tape-based dictation. Himself a GP, Whiteley was concerned that tapes that were not confidential, easy to erase over and often contained a mix of routine and urgent referrals on one tape, recorded in batches when the hardware was to hand.
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He said: “Lexacom digital dictation is designed to enable specialists to record what action is needed for their patients as accurately, quickly and efficiently as possible and get that information to where it needs to be.
“Dictations can be made immediately and sent directly to the secretarial team to be processed. The sound quality is far superior to tapes, ensuring more accurate transcription and users can keep an eye on workload and monitor how quickly work is being progressed,” he explained.
One practice that has really seen a change in the way its doctors are using dictation is Handford Health Centre, which installed Lexacom in August 2011.
Practice Manager Joanne Morton said: “The doctors are now dictating between consultations and that has given way to a regular and steady flow of information to the secretaries. As a result, our letters are now moving freely.”
Improving patient care
With the introduction of cloud computing, Lexacom is taking the benefits of immediate dictation further. With Lexacom 3, clients can record, edit, send, receive
exacom Digital Dictation Software was developed out of Dr Andrew Whiteley’s
“Although we are excited about the added flexibility offered via the Lexacom apps, for regular office-based use, well-designed dictation mics are likely to remain the preferred option. That’s one reason why we’re delighted to be an Olympus accredited dealer,” Whiteley said.
Busting the myths
Some healthcare organisations continue to rely on tapes because of a feeling of ‘better the devil you know’. However, one Lexacom client who was originally reluctant to switch has been completely converted.
Lianne Burket, IT/Data Manager at Appletree Medical Practice, said: “I think if I were to tell the staff that we are going to take Lexacom away, they would all hand their notices in the following day!
“That’s how much of an impact this digital dictation platform has made in this practice.”
Others stick with the wrong digital system because they believe it will cost too much to switch.
and manage dictations from all their sites, even if they don’t have a network connecting them. Moreover, clients can now dictate on the move via the Lexacom Apps, which enable iPhones, BlackBerrys and iPads to be used as dictation devices.
Whiteley continued: “Being able to dictate a referral letter or a diagnosis while, or immediately
after, seeing a patient, minimises the risk of recording incorrect or incomplete information. The secure Lexacom cloud effectively acts like a server, which means doctors can even record dictations while on ward rounds.”
So, does that mean the beginning of the end for digital dictation microphones? Not according to Lexacom.
Whiteley said: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Providers offer different levels of service and costs vary. Make sure whichever system you choose is easy to use, has the functions you need and can be adapted to grow with your organisation.”
Lexacom offers a free, no obligation 30-day trial so clients can really get a feel for what they’re buying and the level of service provided.
For more information
T: 01295 738011 E:
sales@lexacom.com W:
www.lexacom.co.uk
national health executive Jan/Feb 12 57
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