Self-efficacy and confidence of medical students with prior scribing experience: A mixed methods study

PURPOSE: Medical scribing is an increasingly common way for pre-medical students to gain clinical experience. Scribes are a valuable part of the healthcare team and have high rates of matriculation into health professional programs. Little is known about the effects of scribing on the success of the student. This manuscript aims to determine the effect of scribing experience on clinical self-efficacy during medical school. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Perceived clinical self-efficacy was evaluated with validated survey questions using a 5-point Likert-type scale as well as free text responses. The survey was completed by 175 medical students at the Frank H. Netter, MD School of Medicine. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS. As part of the mixed methods study, free text responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Quantitative results showed no statistical difference in perceived clinical self-efficacy between medical students with scribing experience and those without. Analysis of free text responses showed that medical students believed their scribing experience improved comfort in the clinical setting and increased familiarity with medical terminology. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Medical students with scribing experience did not demonstrate greater clinical self-efficacy than their peers without scribing experience. However, medical students with scribing experience have a perceived value of their pre-medical scribing experience on their success in medical school.