Integration of digital dictation and speech recognition improve efficiency and productivity. Modernisation was in order when La Cava & Jacobson, P.A., launched itself as an independent practice in June 2010. The 12-attorney medical malpractice and civil defence law firm in Tampa, Fla., split from a larger organisation and acquired the former parent company’s office along with decades-old tape-based dictation equipment.
“The tapes were old and the machines broke frequently,” says partner James D. Wetzel.” The firm began researching a suite of digital dictation and transcription tools offered by Speech Processing Solutions, the global manufacturer of Philips voice technology solutions. In 2011, after thorough analysis, La Cava & Jacobson choose the SpeechExec dictation software suite with Philips Pocket Memo digital recorders to replace their obsolete equipment and inefficient workflow.
Seamless workflow integration
La Cava & Jacobson’s attorneys were accustomed to dictation, so substituting tape-based recorders with the Pocket Memo devices was seamless — yet it greatly improved the efficiency of the transcription process.
Prior to the switch, attorneys would dictate letters or reports, and then either hand-deliver cassette tapes to their assistants or search for an available transcriptionist. Now, with the digital capabilities of the Pocket Memo combined with the SpeechExec workflow solutions, attorneys simply dock their recorders at their PCs. The audio files are automatically and securely uploaded to a centralized system that can be accessed by an authorized assistant or typist. The attorney’s dictation can then be transcribed by the first available assistant, or specified support staff.
Improved efficiency with speech recognition
Integrating Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech recognition software within the SpeechExec workflow solution further automates the transcription process. Attorneys can use Dragon NaturallySpeaking to create a draft document and send it through the system for completion. Rather than spending the bulk of their time transcribing from scratch, typist only need to proofread the documents created in Dragon NaturallySpeaking and make corrections if needed.
After years of using Dragon’s speech recognition software as a stand-alone product Wetzel was able to combine multiple options as he always wanted to and significantly improved his workflow with the integration of SpeechExec Enterprise and Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
“I use a desktop microphone to dictate directly into the computer. I have a workstation with all the software installed at home as well as in the office, so I can do my work wherever I want,” Wetzel explains. “For longer documents, like case studies, I prefer to dictate directly into Microsoft Word, and speech recognition populates the text automatically. For all other documents I dictate directly into SpeechExec with templates.” From there, documents are automatically routed to the internal support staff for review.
There has been a lot less typing due to speech recognition — a fact the employees really appreciate. “Assistants are happier because they are typing much less, and the lawyers are thrilled with the fast turnaround on documents,” Wetzel says.
Superb sound quality and accuracy
The entire suite of Philips devices has been awarded the highest ratings in a Nuance survey for microphone quality. The clarity of recording has led to better recognition and accuracy rates. Over time, Wetzel fully expects SpeechExec to further streamline the dictation workflow for La Cava & Jacobson as attorneys adapt using speech recognition. The key is to take the time to train Dragon NaturallySpeaking to learn the unique characteristics of each speaker’s voice which improves speed and accuracy.
“The more you put into it, the more you get out of it, it’s clearly better than tapes; only good things have come from this change.” says Wetzel.
Call us now for more information or to arrange a demonstration on our Professional Dictation range and see for yourself how Philips can help your practice become more efficient and profitable.
Powerhouse Dictation | Philips
011 887 1056
info@speech.co.za
www.speech.co.za
