Conceptual approach for the design of radiology reporting interfaces: the talking template.

Within the coming decade, traditional dictation supported by human transcription for radiology reports will be replaced by one or more computerized methods. This paper discusses the cognitive and process efficiency problems arising from currently available technology including speech recognition and menu-driven interfaces. A specific concept for interaction with the reporting interface is proposed. This is called the "talking template" and departs from other designs by providing for all interactions to be mediated through audible prompts and microphone controls. The radiologist can recapture efficiency and cognitive focus by dictating while viewing images without the "look away" problem inherent in other interfaces.