7.2 Clear Audio

Communication plays a vital role in healthcare, and audio quality is key to accurate review. Here's how to optimize your sound recordings:

Microphones:

• Built-in vs. External: While smartphones and cameras have built-in microphones, their quality can be limited. Simple lapel microphones or directional microphones significantly improve audio capture.

• Microphone Placement: If possible, position microphones close to the source of the sound (e.g., near the primary speaker in a team discussion).

• Room Acoustics: Minimize background noise by choosing quieter locations for recording or procedures when possible. Be aware of reverberation in large, empty rooms.

Audio Settings:

• Check Levels: Before recording, ensure proper microphone input levels to avoid distortion or overly quiet audio.

• Reduce Noise: If environmental noise can't be eliminated, consider basic noise reduction techniques during post-processing of the audio.

Additional Considerations:

• Transcripts: For detailed analysis, consider supplementing video with transcripts. These can be manually created or potentially generated through specialized software.

• Integrating with Other Systems: If possible, explore ways to integrate audio from patient monitoring systems for more context during review.

Emphasis: Clear audio is essential for understanding nuanced communication, teamwork dynamics, and potential areas for improvement in healthcare settings.