Managing predefined templates and macros for a departmental speech recognition system using common software

The authors have developed a networked database system to create, store, an d manage predefined radiology report definitions. This was prompted by comp lete departmental conversion to a computer speech recognition system (SRS) for clinical reporting. The software complements and extends the capabiliti es of the SRS, and 2 systems are integrated by means of a simple text file format and import/export functions within each program. This report describ es the functional requirements, design considerations, and implementation d etails of the structured report management software. The database and its i nterface are designed to allow all radiologists and division managers to de fine and update template structures relevant to their practice areas. Two k ey conceptual extensions supported by the template management system are th e addition of a template type construct and allowing individual radiologist s to dynamically share common organ system or modality-specific templates. In addition, the template manager software enables specifying predefined re port structures that can be triggered at the time of dictation from printed lists of barcodes. Initial experience using the program in a regional, mul tisite, academic radiology practice has been positive. Copyright (C) 2001 b y W.B. Sounders Company.