Automated transcription health

• Author:
• Author name

  Quantumrun Foresight
• November 18, 2021

Automated medical transcription is replacing traditional manual practices with efficient and cost-effective solutions. Healthcare institutions are adopting speech-to-text recognition technology to streamline documentation processes and improve accuracy. However, concerns about patient data security and privacy underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. 

Automated transcription context

The task of transcribing patient records has traditionally fallen to medical assistants. This practice, while time-honored, is increasingly being viewed as inefficient and costly. Physicians, often grappling with packed schedules, find little time to dictate notes for transcription. Moreover, the financial implications of employing automated software are significantly less burdensome for hospitals than hiring additional staff. 

Consequently, many healthcare institutions are turning to automated transcription services that employ speech-to-text recognition technology. One such example is the Dragon Ambient eXperience (Nuance DAX), a clinical intelligence solution that automatically documents patient encounters accurately and efficiently at the point of care. It also captures multi-party conversations ambiently but also converts these conversations into comprehensive clinical notes that comply with documentation standards.

However, the needs of medical transcription are more intricate than what regular software can handle. Generic management software with built-in transcription capabilities often falls short in a hospital setting. The healthcare sector requires transcription software that can recognize various medical terminologies. While automated transcription software simplifies the process of record-keeping significantly more than manual entry, it is not without its challenges. Physicians still need to review the documents for typing errors.

Disruptive impact 

As automated transcription technology becomes more accurate and efficient, it has the potential to replace many of the tasks currently performed by medical assistants. While this may result in a reduction in certain job roles, there may still be a need for professionals to proofread the documents generated by the automated software. This step ensures that accuracy is maintained and eliminates the risk of errors that could lead to incorrect prescriptions or surgeries. 

Medical transcription is a rising industry with a predicted compound annual growth rate of five percent from 2020 to 2024, with a net increase of almost  USD $17 billion. As the demand for automated transcription services increases, there will be a need for skilled IT professionals to develop and maintain the software and systems that support this technology. Medical specialists in IT organizations will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth integration of automated transcription into existing healthcare systems. They will be responsible for managing the databases of medical terminology, implementing security measures to protect patient data, and optimizing the efficiency of transcription processes. 

However, there are also concerns regarding patient confidentiality and data security. As patient records are digitized and automated, there is an increased risk of data theft and cyberattacks targeting healthcare networks. It is essential for companies and governments to prioritize resilient cybersecurity measures to safeguard patient information. These measures include implementing encryption protocols, access controls, and regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Implications of automated transcription in healthcare

Wider implications of automated transcription in healthcare may include: 

• A lower number of jobs available for medical assistants and clerks. 
• A bigger job market in tech companies for graduates with medical knowledge. 
• More substantial funding for cybersecurity in hospitals, leading to an increase in jobs for IT and cybersecurity graduates.
• Demand for digital services that guarantee low percentage error rates, spurring tech companies to invest in related research and development departments. 
• Patients having easier access to their own medical records, fostering greater engagement in their healthcare decisions and promoting patient-centered care.
• Governments establishing regulations and standards to ensure the privacy and security of patient data in automated transcription systems.
• Automated medical transcription alleviating the burden on healthcare professionals by streamlining documentation processes, enabling them to focus more on patient care.
• Innovation in natural language processing, speech recognition, and artificial intelligence, leading to advancements in other sectors and applications beyond healthcare.
• The transition from manual to automated transcription reducing paper usage, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly healthcare system.

Questions to consider

• Do you think using automated software in hospitals should be regulated by cybersecurity experts to prevent data breaches? 
• Do you think automated transcription services are accurate enough to be used for recording patient data?