Do you use Siri or Alexa? Or maybe you ask Google to make an appointment on your calendar. Did you ever consider this type of technology in the operating room? In some ORs, it’s already there. And it may be coming soon to other operating rooms across the country. Let’s take a look at what it might mean.
Examples of Voice Recognition in the OR
The concept is the same as the voice-recognition technology you use at home, but the uses are different. Doctors can use voice-recognition technology in the operating room to automatically take and label pictures during a procedure. In this way, the flow of the room isn’t interrupted, and the doctor and the team can get back on track right away.
The possibilities are endless. Through speech command, the surgeon can give orders to zoom in or out from a displayed view across the room…or conference in a colleague outside of the operating room. As voice-recognition technology evolves, surgical teams are coming up with additional ways to make use of it in the OR.
Improves Efficiency
This type of technology has the potential to increase efficiency in the OR. For example, if a patient is about to undergo surgery, but there is a need for a last-minute view, the surgeon can speak the request and instantly capture images. The immediate nature of this will allow the team to work on other tasks while the images are captured.
During a procedure, a surgeon may require additional information about the patient. The surgeon can use this technology to retrieve medical information from the patient’s electronic health record, and timely document new information in the health record, as well. This can be especially important when time is critical, such as in an emergency situation.
Improves Safety
Safety is of utmost importance in the operating room. Controlling devices without touching them helps to reduce the risk of contamination. Stopping the spread of pathogens is essential everywhere in a healthcare environment, but it’s especially important in the operating room. That’s a major factor when hospitals consider implementing this type of technology.
This type of technology may improve safety in another way, as well. One surgeon noted that a patient was listening to the safety checklist via voice application and noted that the latex allergy was missing from the medical record. This was critical given the plan to use latex gloves.
Have You Experienced This Yet?
At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. Voice recognition is coming to the OR, but it’s not common yet. If you’ve experienced it, you’re a step ahead. When you’re ready to step into your next assignment, we can help. Call us at 310.436.3650, and let’s get started.
