In today's healthcare landscape, institutions face a daunting challenge: maintaining high-quality patient care, often with limited staffing. This is particularly critical in sterile environments, where precision and focus are paramount. Recognising this need, FUJIFILM Sonosite has introduced Voice Assist, an innovative new feature for Sonosite LX and Sonosite PX ultrasound systems designed to allow providers access to critical commands of their system, even while across the bed in a sterile or clean procedure.
The Power of Voice Control
Voice Assist transforms the ease-of-use of Sonosite PX and Sonosite LX ultrasound systems. Now, providers can control critical settings like gain, depth, colour, centre line (and more) through simple voice commands. This hands-free operation is not just about convenience; it is a vital tool in fast-paced, demanding clinical environments where every second counts.
Addressing Staffing Challenges
Voice Assist is a direct response to the pressing needs of understaffed medical institutions. In scenarios where providers must conduct procedures alone, this technology becomes an ally, allowing clinicians to remain sterile without sacrificing control over their ultrasound system. Dr. David Auyong, Anaesthesiologist, had the opportunity to try ultrasound voice assist at Sonosite Headquarters and reported back. “This is perfect,” Dr. Auyong says with a smile, “Using voice, we're able to get what we need without having to awkwardly reach across the bed or pull in an assistant to do that for us.”
The impact to the Proceduralist
Dr. Patrick Ockerse, an Emergency Medicine Physician with extensive experience working in challenging trauma environments, praises the new tool: "In a world where voice recognition often falls short, Sonosite distinguishes itself with the highly responsive Voice Assist tool. Now I can navigate ultrasound-guided procedures seamlessly without needing an extra hand." Dr. Cameron Baston, Critical Care Intensivist, adds. “Trying to get a touch screen to be responsive to a hand covered in gel or body fluids has become a true obstacle to the proceduralist. Voice commands remove that barrier and help maintain sterility.
Customer-Driven Innovation:
"Our team is proud to introduce a solution that allows clinicians to focus more of their attention directly on patient care - not on the ultrasound system. Our customers asked for this kind of groundbreaking tool, and we listened and delivered," remarks Rich Fabian, CEO and President of FUJIFILM Sonosite. Dennis Giacomino, VP of Sales, Sales Enablement, and Market Development, adds, “Sonosite Voice Assist is another demonstration of how we continue to listen to our clinicians by helping them solve their problems. Whether it is a needle-guided procedure or uncovering an answer regarding a patient’s condition, Sonosite Voice Assist is an easy-to-use solution, with workflow and sterility in mind.” The intuitive nature of Voice Assist makes it an easy-to-adopt technology, and that doesn’t happen by accident. FUJIFILM Sonosite spends time directly with our customers and with clinical thought leaders, asking them for their input and ideas. Voice Assist is another example of this commitment to our customers’ journey, and as Dr. Ockerse exclaims while scanning with Voice Assist enabled:
"That's Sonosite, right there."
We at FUJIFILM Sonosite tend to agree.