Quikscribe News Update - December 8, 2009

We’ve had numerous updates to the Quikscribe Recorder (QSR) and Player (QSP) programs, and also the QS Manager (QSM).  Although the ones mentioned here are mainly product enhancements, there have been quite a few program improvements related to performance and reliability.

QSR: Enhanced Support for Portable Recorders
The DPM Download program that is an included installation option with QS Recorder has focused in the past mainly with the Philips Digital Pocket Memo product line.  The program has been modified to extend support to other portable recorders, so that you may easily download and send files from any portable using the Quikscribe workflow process.

The advantage of using the Philips DPM includes support for many advanced features available only to that product, such as keywords and encryption. However, if you want to use a different device for your portable recording needs, the new Quikscribe Download Program will recognize other devices as well.  The ‘Use Disk Integration’ feature will switch the QS Download Program to recognize the disk drive letter that Windows assigns to the unit when it’s connected.  The ‘disk integration’ method doesn’t support all of the functions with keywords and other specific functions that are featured on the Philips DPM, but it still provides an easy-to-use workflow method with Quikscribe Recorder.

QSR: Import Subfolders
The new option under QSR Settings -> File Management allows you to automatically import files from subfolders on a portable device.  This is limited to one level of subfolders below the parent folder that is defined in the Import Directory Folder setting in QSR Settings.  The QSR/DPM Download program also imports files from subfolders on the portable device.

QSR: New Application Integration capabilities
The Quikscribe system has new capabilities that will allow you to easily integrate your dictation/transcription workflow with your existing EMR, case, or document software application.  The only requirement is to have your existing application create a text ‘XML’ file with the appropriate patient or case information details contained in the file.  Once this happens, QS Recorder will automatically create a new audio file and populate the data fields accordingly.  There is a little bit of custom setup required to match the data field definitions between your application and Quikscribe, but after that it’s smooth sailing!  This can also eliminate the need for expensive bar code scanning equipment.  Please contact us for more information.

QSR/QSP: Send (Clarification) Request to Author
Here’s a new feature that extends workflow capabilities.  Here’s a situation that occurs frequently:  while transcribing an audio file, there’s a passage that is hard to hear, or hard to understand, or just needs further explanation.  Now the transcriptionist can mark the file at that point (using Marker->Add Marker or the appropriate hotkey), and then double-click on the marker and type a question or comments regarding clarification.  Then by selecting File->Send Request to Author, you have the option to send either an email request to the author, or a network-generated notification to the author’s desktop through QS Recorder.  The author can then open the dictation file and review the question, and then return (and send) the updated dictation file.

Include a comment or request in the Message box, then select ‘Send through Player Manager’ if you have a network connection to the author’s PC, or else ‘Send via Email’.  If you select ‘Keep File Locked’, then the file remains in the transcription queue, but is not available for anyone else to open (except by ‘force’).

Please Click here for a thorough description of the process and how to use the features.

 

QSR/QSP/QSM: Define Data Field Names
The user profile editors and templates in QS Manager now provide for customized definition of the four data fields inherent in Quikscribe file tracking.  Traditionally those fields were named:
-      Subject
-      Matter Number
-      Document Type
-      Document Name
Now you can customize the field names and displays for QSR, QSP, and QS Manager to show the same field names used in your environment with other applications or business processes.

 

QS Manager: Set Columns to Display (and order)
A new feature with QS Manager is the ability to define the field columns to display, and also their sort order.

 

QSR/QSP/QSM: List Registered Machines (Computers)
You no longer need to contact us to receive a list of registered Quikscribe computers.  From a registered PC, select Help -> License Info -> Go Online, then List Registered Machines. 

 

QSR/QSP/QSM: Efficiency Improvements
The new versions include numerous performance improvements.  A complete list of these items is at http://www.digidictate.com/qs/info/install-procedures

 

QSR: NEW SpeechMike Air (wireless hand control microphone)
Philips has a new line of SpeechMike hand control microphones that will be available later this month.  The ‘Air’ model is wireless, allowing freedom of movement without being tethered to the computer.  The unit comes with a docking station for charging when not in use, and has a modified Bluetooth frequency so there is no interference from other devices.  .

Sanyo Recorder
If you want a portable digital recorder, but don’t want the expense of the Philips DPM 9600, the Sanyo digital recorder is a good alternative.  Like the Olympus DS-5000 and the Philips DPM, the Sanyo recorder has a thumb slide switch, and you can review and the edit the dictation files as desired.  Files are easily downloaded using the new Quikscribe Downloader program included with QS Recorder.  The Sanyo doesn’t have a lot of the features or quality you’ll find with the Philips or Olympus professional models, but with a price tag of only $140 it’s a good value.

Olympus DS-5000
In addition to the Philips DPM 9600, the Olympus DS-5000 is a superior professional portable recorder.  With the new disk integration capabilities of our QSR Download program, you do not need to install any additional software to download and transfer files.  Please contact us for pricing.

 

New Ergonomic Foot Pedal
We’re now shipping the new Infinity USB foot pedal.  It has the same 3 buttons as the old Infinity model, but with an improved ergonomic design.

 

QSR Tip: Setting Your Input/Output Device
QS Recorder now has settings to define your input (recording) device and output (listening) device.  The recommended settings for the Windows audio devices in Control Panel should be for the built-in sound card for audio output.  If you’re using the Philips SpeechMike or Olympus hand control mike, the QSR settings for input device for recording should be set to that device, and also for audio output if you want the dictation playback to pass through the speaker on the hand control.

Intelligent Audio File (IAF) is an advanced digital dictation file format, specifically designed by Quikscribe, to provide advanced RICH audio dictation and transcription capabilities.