This article will help you set up your device so you are prepared to use Freed for in-person and telehealth visits. By following these best practices for audio capture and device setup, you will enhance Freed's accuracy and performance to ensure high quality SOAP notes.
Audio Capture Best Practices
Topic | Best Practice |
Telehealth Visits | Do not use headphones or headsets, as Freed needs to hear both sides of the conversation. Have the telehealth platform open in one window and Freed in another. Depending on your setup, echo cancellation technology may prevent Freed from recording the patient's side of the conversation even when using speakers. In this situation, use Freed on a second device (like a smartphone) to record the conversation. |
Headphones/Headsets | Cannot be used for telehealth visits because the mic will not pick up the patient's side of the conversation. Can be used for dictations. |
Phone Calls | Use Freed on a second device, like a tablet or computer, to capture the audio from the phone call by placing the call on speaker. |
Quiet Environment | Aim for a quiet environment. Background noise, especially other conversations, can contaminate the audio recording and decrease the transcription accuracy. |
Laptop Setup | Position your laptop as close as possible to yourself and your patient. Keep the lid open and oriented toward the conversation. Observe the mic volume indicator to ensure the conversation is being captured. |
Phone or Tablet Setup | Place the phone or tablet on a stable surface between yourself and your patient. Observe the mic volume indicator to ensure the conversation is being captured. |
External Microphones | Position your external mic as close as possible to yourself and your patient. Orient the mic towards the conversation and observe the mic volume indicator to ensure the conversation is being captured. |
Screen Lock Prevention | Depending on your device settings, Freed may not be able to prevent the screen from locking or going to sleep. Observe the screen to ensure the conversation is being captured. You can resume the recording if it pauses unexpectedly. |
Desktop Browser: Navigating to a Different Window or Tab | Some browsers and browser extensions automatically freeze website activity when it is not in focus, which will interrupt Freed's audio capture. Prevent this issue by ensuring the window is visible and the conversation is being captured even while you are navigating to a different window (e.g., your EHR). |
Smartphone or Tablet: Navigating to a Different App | Navigating to a different app will automatically freeze app activity for Freed, which will interrupt audio capture. |
Following these guidelines will help improve the overall experience when using Freed for dictation and audio capture in various settings.
Device Permissions
To ensure Freed functions correctly, you may need to update your device and browser settings for microphone access and battery optimization.
Platform/Browser | Steps to Enable Permissions |
Chrome (Desktop) | 1. Open Chrome settings.
We recommend using Chrome for the best experience. |
Firefox (Desktop) | 1. Go to Firefox settings. |
Edge (Desktop) | 1. Open Edge settings. |
Mac (System Settings) | 1. Open the Apple Menu () > "System Settings." |
Android (Battery Settings) | 1. Go to "Settings" > "Apps" > "Freed." |
iOS (Permissions) | 1. Go to "Settings" > "Privacy & Security" > "Microphone." |
Ensure these settings are properly configured to avoid any issues when using Freed for audio capture.
If you have any further questions, please contact [email protected].