Improving Electronic Inpatient Progress Notes Using Voice: Results from the VGEENS Project

We implemented a system to create inpatient progress notes on hospital rounds (VGEENS), integrating voice recognition, automated note formatting, and EHR links. In a randomized trial we compared VGEENS with usual note writing on note timeliness, quality and physician satisfaction. Results show VGEENS notes were available within 5 minutes after dictation. Notes were on average available sooner, and physicians’ satisfaction greater in control, perhaps due to copy/paste practices. Workflow changes may improve note timeliness.