Health professionals' perception of the use of speech recognition technology in healthcare: a qualitative study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND The healthcare system faces challenges regarding responsiveness, quality, and safety, as costs and administrative burdens rise. Speech recognition technologies (SRT) have emerged as a solution to solve these problems, as speech can convey detailed information, potentially improving patient engagement and clinical priorities. However, understanding the perspectives of key users is critical for successfully implementing this technological solution. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' perspectives in Portugal regarding the significance of speech recognition technologies in enhancing healthcare. METHODS The study used a qualitative approach with a semi-structured interview survey, recruiting eleven participants from different regions of Portugal and various healthcare areas. Data was collected from November 2023 to February 2024, and thematic analysis was conducted using MAXQDA software, allowing participants to express their experiences and opinions. RESULTS The interviews revealed four themes: applications, advantages, disadvantages, and implementation recommendations. 73% of participants had never used these technologies in clinical practice. Most potential applications involve report generation and medical procedures, with surgery being the most common. 82% believed these technologies would increase time and quality of care, while 55% feared they would increase costs. CONCLUSIONS This study analyzes healthcare professionals' perspectives on speech recognition technologies in Portugal. It offers practical recommendations to stakeholders who wish to incorporate these technologies into the healthcare system. We suggest conducting more investigation and implementing the changes gradually, considering the unique opportunities and challenges in Portuguese healthcare.