Computer-Generated Reports of Speech and Language Evaluations

Abstract

A system for computer generation of speech and language evaluation reports is described. A computer-compatible form is used to codify many of the routine clinical observations made by speech and language pathologists working in craniofacial centers. Infor— mation recorded on that form is incorporated into a computer-generated report. The system provides a rapid, accurate and simple means of gathering clinical data and reporting it in prose format. Speech and language pathologists spend a good deal of their professional time generating written documentation of their evaluations and treatment services. However , our primary purpose as professionals is to provide patient care. In that context, report—writing is a necessary evil. Not only does it reduce the time available for patient contact, but it also consumes an inordinate amount of secretarial effort. Clearly, re— port—writing is not a cost-effective clinical activity. Speech and language evaluation reports not only are inefficient to produce but often are fraught with errors of omission. These omissions may be due to a lack of information obtained during the evaluation or the result of oversight by the examiner when documenting the evaluation findings. The probability of this happening might be expected to increase in clinic settings where insufficient time is allotted for report writing. In an attempt to address the problems mentioned above, a computer-compatible