Keyboard shortcuts in IT

Just be aware that Alt/ puts Instant Text into full layout and when you are in full layout, Instant Text expands in the Editor window of the IT program, and not in the word-processor you may be using.

Another keyboard shortcut like Alt- minimizes Instant Text and you don't see the advisories anymore. However, you stay linked and IT would still expand.

Also, make sure you don't have another Expander running at the same time.

• word expander - problem with Instant Text
  • Instant Text tech support probably already asked you this... - sm
    • trouble with instant text - problem with Instant Text
      • Keyboard shortcuts in IT - Marianne Kleen
      • Maybe you have a shortcut that's interfering. Did you check the manual for - sm

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I am new to MT and am lucky enough to have a job where I can learn as I go.  I wanted to see if someone can tell me some of the keyboard shortcuts, like ctrl + B for bold, or function key information so that I can use the keyboard more and my mouse less.  

Thanks for your help!

New MT in Ohio  

That key printing never wear down because the letters are part of the key itself.  They just don't make them that way anymore because it is too expensive to make.  Some of the mechanical keyboards like Cherry have what they double shot key imprinting and the letters are part of the key itself and don't wear off. That IBM keyboard is very noisy from the type of keyswitch it has so you may not like that.  Logitech and Belkin make some membrane switch keyboards that are supposed to have longer lasting key imprints.  I have a logitech that has the longer lasting key imprints and it is pretty good.  You have to look on the specs to find out if has the longer lasting key printing.

I have experimented so much with keyboards and have done a lot of research.  Way too much info.  

Okay, any lefties use this keyboard? How long did it take to get used to? I use my left thumb for the space bar and I notice on a diagram of the keys that I would always be hitting the backspace key.

I'm really interested in getting a better keyboard. I destroyed my left hand and wrist the other week when I fell because I'm becoming a real klutz.

I bought the Soft Flex gloves, but they only help a little bit. My production is down because of it and it's driving me crazy. I can only type an hour without stopping and then have to rest the hand for some time.

I did buy a Microsoft 2000 keyboard but have yet to recieve it. Is this a good one?

Do you use a keyboard tray with it or just set it on the desk? Do you think a kayboard tray would be the least expensive item right now that would help with a straight keyboard?

Any info you can provide to help me in making any decision would be greatfully appreciated.

'Scuse me for being old school, but I've only ever used a straight keyboard.

and so I can use the expansions i saved in Shortcuts for DOS in WP5.1 with XP but I cannot access Shortcuts nor can I add things to Shortcuts via XP (unless I get the Shortcuts for XP) and I cannot access MACROS but can use the MACROS in WP5.1 that I saved for a long long time....

hope you all understand my post....I use WP5.1 with Shortcuts for DOS in WIN XP but cannot add anything to Shortcuts nor add anything to my WP5.1 macros but can use all I saved prior to going on XP last year.  It all works out....

from Word and Wordperfect to Shorthand.  I sure hope, it would save SO much time.

Thanks all!

Sunny

it's ALL about your shortcuts.  you have to shorten every word, phrase, not just medical ones, regular English too, assuming you transcribe for someone who SPEAKS English!! 

I have been using the same shortcut program for 10+ years and I STILL add things to it almost daily.  1st rule is if the shortcut doesn't just pop in your head, keep typing and don't think about it.  it has to come to you automatically.  then you have to be creative.  example - I have this one doc who constantly says "once this was done" so I have that in as OTWD.  "The patient tolerated the procedure well" is PATOL.  I have things like ADP for adenopathy, then you have to expand that on further to be LADP for lymphadenopathy, AADP for axillary adenopathy, etc.  if you have one doc who says some phrase constantly, even if it is only one doc, if you type him every day, make it a shortcut.  I have typed in "codes" for so long they are drilled in my brain.  I'll look at a license plate and it will say RSD456, my brain says "reflex sympathetic dystrophy."  the longer you use it the bigger it will get and pretty soon you're typing all shortcuts and not much else. 

I know there are so many different ways to save Keystrokes and then there are those that "just seem to make sense" but don't necessarily follow any particular rule.  One of my favorites is using the first two letters of each word.  It strikes me funny sometimes at some of the combinations that result this way.  I think two of my funniest are boob for bowel obstruction and pusy for pubic symphysis.  Any others that you have?  I'm looking for humor this Monday. 

Does anyone know how to add to the shortcuts in RadNet F9. 

For longtime comfort which is best - split keyboard mounted on chair arms or split keyboard to be used on the desk?

Also, why the preference over split keyboards that come totally apart versus split keyboards that are permanently connected at the top?

I want to revamp my office and there are so many different options.

Know of any books on shortcuts and macros other than "saving keystrokes?"  Thanks.:)

that should cut down considerably on your need for proofing. Besides increasing your speed, shortcuts increase your accuracy, too, because the words are preprogrammed to be spelled correctly.

I don't work for one of the companies you describe but I have always proofed as I go and I don't go back and reread the report unless I am very tired, because I am particularly mistake-prone then.

I had a "talking to" by my asst manager, because I had mg listed as milligrams in my auto correct and she said that a docment should always be typed as mg, not the long way.  They were on my back so badly to produce, I decided that having things as milligrams instead of mg was a way to help my line count!  I don't feel badly about this fact, as they have threatend to fire me if I didn't keep a certain count. 

How does the people you work for look at this issue?  I know a hospital Transcriptionist who has EVERYTHING spelled out in her auto correct, such as CBC (complete blood count) etc...

I think that's a bit excessive, but I didn't think having milligrams typed out was a bid deal.  What do you think?