Tech Tools
We believe that choices of devices should be made to fit a radiologists’ individual needs, and are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Click on the devices below to learn about their (1) Functionality (2) Ergonomics (3) Value and (4) Ease of Use at the workstation.
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Gaming Mice
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Functionality: Excellent
Ergonomics: Average
Cost: $179.99
Ease of Use: Average
Impressions:
Wireless mouse offering a high level of functionality and customizability with 3 hot-swappable side pieces that offer 2, 6 or 12 buttons.
Pros:
- Up to 24 available shortcuts accessible with the right thumb (with Hypershift).
- Customizable side piece attachments allow customizability for different tasks (plain films vs. cross sectional)
Cons:
- Lack of smooth scrolling limits functionality for cross sectional studies.
- Only programmable on windows computers.
Wired Option (Recommended)
Wireless Option
Functionality: Excellent
Ergonomics: Excellent
Cost: $44
Ease of Use: Average
Impressions:
Our current go to mouse with great all-around functionality and currently the workhorse at our apartment.
Pros:
- Practical number of shortcuts accessible with the right thumb (up to 10 shortcuts with G-shift).
- Smooth and ratcheted scrolling
Cons:
- Right thumb shortcut buttons may lead to thumb strain
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Functionality: Excellent
Ergonomics: Excellent
Cost: $60
Ease of Use: Average
Impressions:
One of the best devices available for diagnostic radiologists looking to add practical functionality with the added benefit of Bluetooth connectivity.
Pros:
- Practical level of functionality (up to 12 shortcuts with G-shift)
- Great value compared to other similar devices (retails at $59.99)
- Smooth and ratcheted scrolling.
Cons:
- Right thumb shortcut buttons can lead to right thumb strain.
- Need to keep track of wireless dongle.
View Here
Functionality: Excellent
Ergonomics: Average
Cost: $38
Ease of Use: Average
Impressions:
Wired mouse offers the most customizability with its 12 programmable buttons.
Pros:
- Up to 24 available shortcuts accessible with the right thumb (with G-shift).
Cons:
- Number of right thumb shortcut buttons likely exceeds usefulness for radiology applications and contributes to right thumb strain.
- No smooth scrolling decreases functionality for cross sectional imaging.
- Known driver issue for macOS necessitates programming on a windows computer.
Dictation Devices
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Functionality: Average
Ergonomics: Excellent
Cost: $35
Ease of Use: Average
Impressions:
Handsfree option ideal for radiologists working in an quiet office or cubicle, cheaper than industry standard options but more prone to error.
Pros:
- Does not require user to hold a dictaphone and frees up a hand to use the keyboard.
- Reduces thumb strain induced by activating the Dictaphone. Microphone can be activated with a keyboard shortcut (F4 in PowerScribe).
Cons:
- Subjectively more dictation errors than a Nuance PowerMic in our testing.
- Must speak at a higher volume compared with a Nuance PowerMic.
View Here
Functionality: Average
Ergonomics: Excellent
Cost: $48
Ease of Use: Average
Impressions:
An affordable option which is compatible with PowerScribe 360.
Pros:
- Does not require user to hold a dictaphone and frees up a hand to use the keyboard.
- Reduces thumb strain induced by activating the Dictaphone. Microphone can be activated with a keyboard shortcut (F4 in PowerScribe).
Cons:
- Subjectively more dictation errors than Nuance PowerMic in our testing.
- Less comfortable than more expensive options
View Here
Functionality: Excellent
Ergonomics: Excellent
Cost: $170
Ease of Use: Excellent
Impressions:
A premium wireless headset that provides a high level of comfort and performance.
Pros:
- Wireless with Bluetooth dongle
- 37-hour battery life & rapid charge feature
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Expensive (initially $289, but recently discounted to $212 on Jabra.com)
- Occasional delays between dictation and text output in PowerScribe 360.
View Here
Functionality: Excellent
Ergonomics: Poor
Cost: $34999
Ease of Use: Average
Impressions:
The Nuance PowerMic is an industry standard and boasts reliable performance. A familiar form factor and certified compatibility makes it an easy choice, despite the above-average cost.
Pros:
- Reliable, certified compatible with Nuance PowerScribe.
Cons:
- Requires repetitive use of the thumb to activate dictation.
- Expensive, retails for $300-400.
Other Interesting Devices Worth Considering…
Contributors
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Nitin Venugopal, MD
MD Radiology Resident, University of Washington
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