Evaluating a spoken dialogue system for recording clinical observations during an endoscopic examination.

Paper, keyboard or mouse-driven systems may not be suitable for data capture because of the hands-busy constraint imposed by an endoscopic examination. A Spoken Dialogue System (SDS) has a number of advantages when compared to keyboard and mouse-driven input modalities, particularly with respect to hands free and eyes-free control of a system. However, any emerging technology will never deliver improved organizational effectiveness if it is not accepted and used. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) provides a framework that helps explain the determinants of computer acceptance. This study, through the application of TAM, demonstrates a high level of user acceptance with clinicians wanting to use spoken dialogue technology for recording clinical observations during an endoscopic examination. Clinicians would also prefer to use a SDS for recording endoscopy rather than use a paper-based or keyboard and mouse-driven system. Using a clinical narrative during an endoscopic examination was also perceived to be a natural way to record findings. Relationships between basic TAM variables were confirmed and relationships between quality of dialogue measures and TAM variables were established.