Maxly's Dictation Mode offers a hands-free way to create clinical notes by speaking directly to the AI Scribe.
What is Dictation Mode in Maxly?
Dictation Mode allows you to dictate your clinical notes directly into Maxly. The AI Scribe transcribes your spoken words in real-time, word-by-word, and formats the content into a readable structure (e.g., bullet points, numbered lists) while correcting grammar and misspellings. It keeps the transcription as close as possible to your spoken words, ensuring accuracy while enhancing clarity.
How is Dictation Mode different from the AI Scribe?
While both features use Maxly's AI Scribe technology, they serve distinct purposes:
Dictation Mode: You speak directly to the AI to dictate a note, report, or document. It transcribes your words literally, formatting them magically into a structured output (e.g., "- Vitals normal, - Patient presents with lethargy" becomes a bulleted list). This is perfect when you want control over the content and need a document that mirrors exactly what you say.
AI Scribe (Ambient Mode): This acts as an ambient scribing tool during appointment conversations. You focus entirely on the client and patient, speaking naturally, while the AI listens, captures the full dialogue, and generates a clinical note (e.g., a SOAP note) afterward. It interprets and summarizes the conversation, rather than transcribing verbatim, saving you from dictating manually.
In short, use Dictation Mode to dictate specific content you want transcribed and formatted, and the AI Scribe for hands-off note creation from patient interactions.
How do I enable Dictation Mode?
To start using Dictation Mode:
Log In: Sign in to Maxly at https://secure.maxly.vet/en/sign-in.
Create a New Note: From the dashboard, click "New Encounter" or "Create a Clinical Note."
Switch to Dictation Tab: In the note editor, click the "Dictation" tab (as shown in the screenshot).
Start Dictating: Click the "Start Dictation" button, and begin speaking. You'll see your words transcribed in real-time in the "Dictation Notes" section.
Can I Resume a Dictation?
Yes, you can pause and resume a dictation, and the new content will be appended to the existing text:
Pause Dictation: Click "Stop Dictation" to pause your recording at any time.
Resume Dictation: When you're ready, click "Start Dictation" again. Maxly will continue transcribing, adding the new content to the next part of your existing text in the "Dictation Notes" section.
Why It's Helpful: This feature is great if you need to take a break during a long dictation (e.g., to check patient records) or if you're interrupted and want to add more details later without starting over.
Example: If you dictate, "Patient presents with bilateral otitis externa," pause, and later resume with, "Owner reports scratching ears for five days," the transcription will read: "Patient presents with bilateral otitis externa. Owner reports scratching ears for five days."
How does Dictation Mode format my notes?
Dictation Mode intelligently formats your spoken content:
Structured Formatting: If you say "bullet point" or pause in a list-like manner, Maxly formats your text as bullet points (e.g., saying "- First item, - Second item" becomes a bulleted list).
Numbered Lists: Saying "number one" or "first" can trigger a numbered list (e.g., "1. Check vitals, 2. Review history").
Grammar and Spelling Corrections: The AI corrects minor grammar errors and misspellings (e.g., "patient feel good" becomes "patient feels good") while preserving your original intent.
Natural Language Preservation: Maxly keeps the transcription close to your spoken words, avoiding over-editing to maintain authenticity.
Can I edit my dictated notes?
Yes! After dictating:
Review in Real-Time: Your dictation appears in the "Dictation Notes" section as you speak.
Edit During Dictation: Pause by clicking "Stop Dictation," then type or edit directly in the text box.
Finalize After: Once you stop dictating, you can edit the transcription, add details, or format further before saving. Click "Save" to store your note.
Does Dictation Mode work with templates?
Yes, Dictation Mode integrates with your templates:
Apply a Template: Before starting dictation, select a template (e.g., "Extended SOAP") from the dropdown in the note editor.
Dictate into Sections: Maxly will place your dictated content into the appropriate sections of the template (e.g., Subjective, Objective) based on your speech patterns and the template structure.
Set a Default Template: Use a custom or predefined template as your default for dictation (see ).
What languages does Dictation Mode support?
Dictation Mode currently supports English and Spanish, matching Maxly's language settings. To dictate in Spanish, switch your language to Spanish in the settings (see ). More languages are coming soon—stay tuned!
Can I use Dictation Mode for virtual consultation sessions?
Dictation Mode is designed for direct dictation, not for capturing audio from web-based video calls. For virtual consultations, use Virtual Consultation Mode instead. However, you can dictate a summary of a virtual consultation session in Dictation Mode after the call.
What are some tips for using Dictation Mode effectively?
Speak Clearly: Dictate at a moderate pace to ensure accurate transcription.
Use Headphones: A headset with a microphone can improve audio quality, especially in noisy environments.
Pause for Formatting: Pause briefly when starting a new bullet point or list item to help Maxly format correctly.
Test First: Try a demo note to get comfortable with dictation (click "Try Demo Note" on the dashboard).
Check Microphone: Ensure your selected microphone (e.g., "MacBook Pro Microphone") is working properly in the note settings.
What should I do if Dictation Mode isn't working?
Check Microphone Permissions: Ensure Maxly has access to your microphone in your browser settings.
Verify Language Settings: Confirm your language matches your dictation (e.g., English or Spanish).
Stop and Restart: If transcription stalls, click "Stop Dictation" and "Start Dictation" again.
Need Help? Email us at hello@maxly.vet or book a demo for assistance.
Get Started with Dictation Mode
Ready to dictate your notes? Log in at https://secure.maxly.vet/en/sign-in, create a new note, and switch to the Dictation tab to start. For a visual guide, watch our demo video: Watch the Maxly Demo.