Guide to using dictation software in medical practices

A new resource from the Doctors Technology Office provides support for physicians who are in the process of adopting dictation software or are considering making the transition. The guide, Using Dictation Software in Medical Practices, is a collaboration of the Doctors Technology Office and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC’s Physician Practice Enhancement Program. It outlines:

• Benefits of dictation software (with journal references).
• Types of dictation software.
• Implementation planning for practices transitioning from a manual system.
• Questions to ask dictation software vendors when deciding which dictation offering best suits your practice.

Many practices have found the initial setup and ongoing subscription expenses outweighed by both improved patient care stemming from more accurate documentation and a more efficient documentation process leading to long-term savings. Those who would like assistance with planning dictation software implementation, improving usage of their current system, or engaging with vendors are invited to contact the Doctors Technology Office at dtoinfo@doctorsofbc.ca [9]. The guide is available online at www.doctorsofbc.ca/sites/default/files/dto-guide-using_dictation_software_in_medical_practices.pdf [10].

New forms guidelines and best practices

Creating new forms and updating forms has been a longstanding pain point for physicians, clinic staff, EMR vendors, and form creators. While a provincial e-forms project is underway to help address frustrations, the Doctors Technology Office has developed an interim guide, Forms Guidelines and Best Practices, to assist with creating, editing, and distributing forms. The guide offers recommendations for creating and updating forms, how to determine whether a form is needed, and how to support the updating process. The Doctors of Technology Office is available to provide ongoing support for forms development and can help connect form producers with the e-forms project team and EMR vendors as needed. For questions, guidance, or help on engagement, contact the Doctors Technology Office at dtoinfo@doctorsofbc.ca [9]. View the guide online at www.doctorsofbc.ca/sites/default/files/dto-guide-forms_guidelines_best_practices.pdf [11].

Virtual care support

To assist physicians in employing virtual care within their practice, the Doctors Technology Office has developed a variety of virtual care resources. To accommodate increasing requests for immediate support, the office will also be holding seminars and implementing interim measures.

Detailed information and links to online resources is available at www.doctorsofbc.ca/news/doctors-technology-office-virtual-care-support-response [12].

For information and direct one-on-one support with implementing virtual care or health technology, contact the Doctors Technology Office at: 604 638-5841 (1 800 665 2262), dtoinfo@doctorsofbc.ca [9], or visit www.doctorsofbc.ca/dto [13].