Using substitutions to auto-replace dictated text

Substitutions are user-defined rules that automatically replace one word or phrase with another in a report. They’re often used to correct misinterpretations by the speech engine, ensure consistent formatting, or create content shortcuts.

Substitutions are applied after the speech engine processes your dictation, replacing recognized words or phrases before they are inserted into the report or interpreted as a voice command. They do not train or change the underlying speech recognition model.

In this article: 

1. When to use substitutions
2. Adding a substitution from the report editor
3. Adding a substitution from Personal Settings
4. Editing or deleting a substitution
5. Frequently asked questions 

 

When to use substitutions

You might want to use a substitution if:

• A place, person, or object name is regularly transcribed incorrectly, e.g. "Fleissner" substituted with "Fleischner".
   
• You have a personal formatting preference, e.g. “mid left” substituted with “mid-left”. 
   
• You want to save time by shortening longer phrases you frequently dictate, e.g. “MR” substituted with “MRI”. 
   
• You want to customize spoken voice commands, e.g. “stamp” substituted with “template” so you can say “Stamp chest x-ray” instead of “Template chest x-ray” to apply a template to a report.

Avoid using substitutions for:

• Consistent voice engine misrecognition issues—please report these to Rad AI Support so we can improve the system for everyone. 
   
• Trying to “train” the engine. Rad AI does not support training the voice model through substitutions.
   
• Complex logic-based substitutions.
   

If you're unsure, a good rule of thumb is: if it looks like a bug or a consistent misrecognition, submit a support ticket.

 

Adding a substitution from the report editor

You can add substitutions directly from a report:

1. In the report editor, highlight the word or phrase you want to change (double-click a word to select it).
    

2. Right-click and select Add substitution. A dialog will appear.
   
   

   💡 You can also right-click anywhere in the editor and add a substitution without highlighting a word or phrase.
3. Enter the word or phrase you'd like to replace it with.
   
   
    
    
4. Click Save.

 

Adding a substitution from Personal Settings

You can add substitutions at any time in your Personal Settings area:

1. Click on your profile then select Personal Settings from the main navigation menu on the left-hand side.
    
2. Click on or scroll down to Speech > Substitutions. 
    
3. Under Literal Substitutions, click Add Words to Replace.
   
    
    
4. Enter the word or phrase you want to replace, and the word or phrase you’d like to replace it with.
    
5. Click Add. The substitution will now be applied to your reports.

 

Editing or deleting a substitution

1. Click on your profile then select Personal Settings from the main navigation menu on the left-hand side.
    
2. Click on or scroll down to Speech > Substitutions. 
    
3. Under Literal Substitutions, click the correct icon next to the substitution you’d like to modify:
    
   • If you want to edit the substitution, click the pencil icon, edit the text, then click Apply.
      
   • If you want to delete a substitution, click the X icon.

 

Frequently asked questions

Why aren't my substitutions working?

Under Personal Settings > Substitutions, make sure the Enable literal speech substitutions toggle is on and that your substitutions are configured correctly.

 

Can substitutions help with accents or speech patterns?

Yes, if a word is consistently misrecognized due to pronunciation, a substitution can help correct the final output. However, we recommend that you also submit a support ticket so we improve the speech engine.

 

Can I use substitutions to customize spoken voice commands?

Yes. Because substitutions are applied before voice commands are interpreted, you can use them to customize the spoken phrases used for supported voice commands.

For example, you could create a substitution that replaces “stamp” with “template,” allowing you to say “Stamp chest x-ray” instead of “Template chest x-ray" to apply a template to a report.

Be careful when creating substitutions for voice commands, as overly broad substitutions may trigger commands unintentionally.

 

Can I use substitutions like shortcuts?

Yes, some users use substitutions to lengthen (or shorten) commonly dictated phrases. Just be careful not to overuse this to avoid confusion in your reports. For bigger pieces of reusable report content, use macros instead.

 

Can someone else manage my substitutions?

Not at this time. Each user manages their own substitutions.

 

Can I use substitutions in the Omni box?

Yes, substitutions work when dictating into the Omni box.