Rather, they're a reminder that as bad as any of these systems may be, the physician's input is a key factor in the level of success. Physicians are highly intelligent, well-educated people, but very often their writing and speaking skills don't reflect these attributes. These basic skills are a prerequisite for good records, whether those records are transcribed traditionally or by using voice-recognition software. Machines can't make judgment decisions, and transcriptionists shouldn't have to make them as often as they do. Effective dictation training for physicians could prevent many problems, but I have yet to find a medical school or residency program that teaches this.
Intelligence is no substitute for common sense, which appears to be lacking in our present society.
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