Device Settings for a Successful Recording

Sidekick: 

Device Settings for a Successful Recording

Key Best Practices for Dictation

1. System and Hardware Management

• Check Battery and Power: Keep your computer battery charged to avoid interruptions during long sessions. Low power mode may also negatively affect system performance, including audio recording.

• Keep Only Relevant Tabs Open: Ensure only the EMR tab you're actively working on is open to avoid confusion or recording issues across multiple tasks. If you prefer the workflow of having multiple EMR tabs open for multiple patients, that will work as long as you are on the relevant patient’s tab when interacting with that specific patient. 

2. Browser and System Settings

• Using Sidekick in the Browser

  • Google Chrome: we highly recommend using Sidekick in Google Chrome as it is optimized for this browser. The Chrome Extension can be found here, and the installation instructions here. 

  • Firefox: Sidekick is now also compatible with Firefox, the extension can be found here, and the instructions for installation here.

  • Mobile (iOS): we now support the extension on Safari running on an iOS mobile device such as an iPad. You can find the extension link here, and installation instructions here.

• Computer Sleep Settings: As long as the EMR tab is open and active on the screen during recording, the computer should stay awake. If only the screen turns off but the computer remains on, the recording will still work. However, if the computer goes to sleep, you switch tabs, or anything else interrupts the recording, the recording will not be saved.

3. Basic Microphone Settings

• Mic Settings for Optimal Audio: If you notice ambient noise being picked up, adjust your microphone settings to reduce background interference. Here are a few tips:

  • Ensure your device is facing you and your patient to avoid any potential interruption from other audio.

  • Ensure your microphone is enabled in your browser or device by following this guide. 

  • For iOS setup and settings, we recommend following this guide. 

  • Adjust the microphone sensitivity settings in your computer.

    • Your microphone settings will depend on the type of device and operating system you are using.

4. Recording Workflow with a Patient 

• Open Note and Log into Sidekick: Before you start your patient encounter, be sure to open the patient note on your device and ensure that you are logged into Sidekick. Press the desired audio recording button when you first enter the room.

• Stop & Save Audio Before Leaving the Patient Note: After dictating, click stop and allow the audio to process fully before moving to another patient note. Wait until you see the content transcribed before moving away from the page to ensure accuracy.

• Reprocess Audio Button: If the initial transcription is incomplete, use the "Reprocess Audio" button to have Sidekick analyze the audio again. If you save and exit a note with a complete audio recording and do not see the audio suggestions when you reopen the note, click the reprocess audio button to find your audio suggestions again. This button will also push your suggestions back into the note after you’ve accepted them.

  • To access “Reprocess Audio”, click on the Sidekick icon, click on the “Audio” tab, then click on the 3 dot ellipse underneath “Get Help”

  • Find more details on audio troubleshooting here. 

• Avoid Multiple Tabs for the Same Patient: Do not open two browser tabs for the same patient during dictation. This can cause issues with saving and transcribing information correctly.

• Seeing Multiple Patients at a Time: If you are working with more than one patient at a time, we recommend having two EMR tabs open within your browser window; one containing patient A’s note, and one containing patient B’s note. When you are speaking with patient A, make sure you have patient A’s note pulled up on the screen, and the AI recording will place the information in the correct note. Stop and save before switching patient tabs.

5. Which Dictation Mode is Best for Which Part of my Note?
You can learn about each dictation mode in the help article here. The mode you choose will have an impact on the type of suggestions the AI will populate in the note. For more information on which dictation mode is recommended for each note type and note section, please see this guide. 

6. What to do if There is Missing or Inaccurate Data
If your data is missing or inaccurate, you can try refreshing your browser window or clicking the “Reprocess Audio” button within the Prediction Health widget: