Step 1: Open Direct Dictation
From the AutoScribe home screen, look at the left navigation menu.
Click Start Direct Dictation (Beta).
You can also use the Start Direct Dictation (Beta) button in the centre of the home screen. Both options open the same Direct Dictation workflow.
Step 2: Select a Note Template
After Direct Dictation opens, look near the top-left area of the page.
Click Select template.
A template window will open in the centre of the screen. Use the search bar at the top to find a template by name, or scroll through the list and click the template you want to use.
Step 3: Start Dictation
Once you select a template, the template name will appear near the top-left area of the page. In the screenshot below, SOAP note has been selected.
Look at the bottom of the screen for the blue Start Dictation button.
Click Start Dictation when you are ready to begin recording.
Step 4: Begin Dictating
Once recording starts, look near the upper-left area of the main screen. You should see the Transcribing status.
At the bottom of the screen, you will see the recording controls. The timer shows how long the dictation has been running. The audio indicators show that your microphone is picking up sound. The pause button lets you pause the dictation. The red Stop button ends the recording.
Begin speaking your note clearly and at a steady pace.
Step 5: Watch the Live Transcript
As you speak, your dictated text will appear on the screen under the Transcribing status.
Use this area to confirm that AutoScribe is capturing your dictation. You do not need to fix every small transcription issue while recording. You will be able to review and edit the generated note after the dictation ends.
When you are finished, click the red Stop button at the bottom of the screen.
Step 6: Review and Edit the Generated Note
After you stop recording, AutoScribe will generate a draft note using the template you selected.
The generated note appears in the main note area. Look for the Review Required label near the top of the note. This means the note still needs to be reviewed before it is finalized.
Read through the note carefully. You can edit the note directly, use the quick edit buttons below the note, or type a specific request into the edit box at the bottom of the screen.
When the note is accurate, click Copy & Mark Reviewed.
Step 7: Review the Patient Handout
If a patient handout is generated, click the Handout tab near the top of the page.
The handout appears in the main document area. Review the summary and action items before sharing it with the patient.
Step 8: Confirm the Dictation Is Finalized
After you click Copy & Mark Reviewed, the note becomes finalized.
In the screenshot below, the button at the bottom now says Reviewed. This means the note has been marked as reviewed and is read-only.
You can now copy or reference the finalized note for your EMR workflow.
Tips for Better Direct Dictation
Speak clearly and use a steady pace.
State important details out loud, including diagnoses, medications, doses, follow-up plans, and patient instructions.
Use section names if you want a structured note. For example, say “Subjective,” “Assessment,” or “Plan” before dictating that section.
Review the full note before marking it reviewed. Direct Dictation creates a draft, and the clinician is responsible for confirming that the final note is accurate.
How to Use Direct Dictation in AutoScribe (Old UI)
The Direct Dictation feature allows you to dictate text directly into a clinical note after an encounter has ended. It is designed for making edits or additions, not for recording a full patient visit.
Step 1 — Open the Completed Encounter
Navigate to the encounter you want to edit.
Direct Dictation in the old UI can only be used once an encounter has been ended.
Open the clinical note or patient summary associated with that encounter.
Step 2 — Choose Where to Dictate
Click inside the section of the clinical note or patient summary where you want to add or edit text.
The dictated text will appear exactly where your cursor is placed.
Step 3 — Start Dictation
Click Start Dictation.
AutoScribe will begin recording your voice and transcribing it word for word.
Step 4 — Dictate Your Changes
Begin speaking clearly.
AutoScribe transcribes exactly what you say and inserts punctuation based on natural pauses.
Direct Dictation is a literal transcription tool and does not interpret or restructure your speech.
Step 5 — Stop Dictation
Click Stop Dictation to end the recording.
You can reposition your cursor and restart dictation if you need to edit another section.
Step 6 — Review and Finalize the Note
Review the dictated text for accuracy.
Make any manual edits directly in the clinical note using your keyboard.
Once all edits are complete, finalize the note according to your clinic’s workflow.
Can I Dictate an Entire Encounter?
No. Direct Dictation in the old UI is not intended for full encounter recording.
If you want to dictate an entire visit, you must start a new encounter, speak naturally during the visit, and end the encounter. AutoScribe will then generate a structured note using the selected template.
Quick Tips
Speak in full sentences and pause naturally
Place your cursor carefully before starting dictation
If an error occurs, reposition the cursor and continue dictating
Use simple cues like “period” or “new line” if needed