An automatic speech recognition system for bedside data entry in an intensive care unit

Abstract

The development of a patient data management system (PDMS) and its voice data-entry unit is outlined. The PDMS is based on an IBM PS/2 interfaced to a local area network for the acquisition of real-time patient data. The voice data-entry unit is based on a speech recognition unit plugged into a slave IBM AT system which communicates with the PDMS computer and software by means of a serial link. An outline of the features of the speech board is presented, and its user interface and its interface with the current PDMS hardware and software discussed. A prototype version of the voice data-entry unit is being tested with the PDMS for the entry of fluid balance data at the patient bedside. By providing a more natural means of manually entering data, the use of speech recognition and generation in intensive care units looks promising. >