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O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4 | O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
duty, waterproof case that can stand up to disinfectant), the apps
rarely cost more than 99 cents. If a patient comes in and asks for a
new game, it'll take you less than a minute to download it and relieve
his anxiety.
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Dictation
Dictation in surgery is also getting a makeover with the
smartphone. New apps and software are making it possible
to record notes and transcribe them quicker than ever before, minus
the $500-plus price tag for traditional voice recorders. The smart-
phone's microphone is allowing for "all sorts of collaboration that
previously wasn't possible," says Dr. Misra.
There are several apps on the market for surgical dictation, but
many work alongside traditional transcription services. Depending on
the service and type of application, there are plenty of options. Some
services immediately transcribe the recording and send it as a text
D I G I T A L O R
RECORD KEEPING
Using a tablet to
keep records is
portable and effi-
cient, staff at The
Reading Hospital
SurgiCenter at
Spring Ridge say.
