Some radiologists will never give up the keyboard, others have dictated for years. Both have good reasons. AI-assisted reporting opens a third way. This post compares the three without exaggeration and explains why the decision should be measured, not guessed.
Three methods side by side
| Typing | AI-assisted dictation | |
|---|---|---|
| Normal reports | Fast with templates | Fast with templates; copy without saying a word |
| Long findings | Tiring, typos | Short, natural speech is enough |
| Eyes and hands | Eyes drift to the keyboard | Eyes stay on the images |
| Corrections | Direct | By voice or keyboard |
| Environment | Anywhere | You need to be able to speak quietly |
Classic dictation sits in the middle: eyes stay on the images, but you dictate the whole report with punctuation and fix the text afterwards. We explain the difference in how AI voice reporting works.
Where typing is strong
- Very short reports and one-word corrections.
- Settings where speaking is not appropriate.
- Users who have become very fast with shortcuts and macros over the years.
Where dictation is strong
- Eyes on the images: saying the finding while scrolling interrupts you less than looking at the keyboard.
- Studies with many findings: oncology follow-up or trauma.
- Fatigue: typing at the end of a long day can be more tiring than talking.
- Hands-free work: with a dictation microphone and shortcuts, without going back to the mouse.
Measure before you decide
General claims that one method is faster may not hold for your workflow. That is why we suggest a simple measurement to departments evaluating Raporio:
- 1With your usual method, time 20 reports of one type from opening the images to signing.
- 2Use Raporio for a week to get used to it.
- 3Time 20 reports of the same type again and compare the medians.
- 4Just as important: how tired did you feel at the end of the day?
A new method always feels slower in the first days. Compare after the learning period. Detailed steps for departments are in our pilot guide.
Using both
It does not have to be one or the other. In Raporio you can dictate the finding, make a small correction with the keyboard and copy a normal report without speaking. For most users the most efficient way is to do each task with whatever is easiest.
Frequently asked questions
Is dictation faster than typing?
It depends on the report type and the person. The reliable way is to time your own reports after a learning period.
Do I need a special microphone?
No, a good headset microphone is enough. Raporio also supports dictation microphones and foot pedals.
Can I use both dictation and the keyboard?
Yes. The report can always be edited; dictate the finding and correct with the keyboard.
Try it with your own template
Say your findings and Raporio fills in your template. Nothing to install, it runs in the browser.
