Case Study
Hospitalist Scribe Pilot Improves Productivity and Clinician Satisfaction
A published hospitalist pilot evaluated the effect of pairing medical scribes with admitting physicians on productivity, documentation, and return on investment.
Results at a Glance
- 37%: Improvement in clinician productivity
- 23%: Reduction in admission-order turnaround
- 322%: Approximate combined ROI
Organization Profile
- Publication: Journal of Hospital Management and Health Policy
- Published: 2022
- Design: Six-week admitting hospitalist pilot
- Brands: ScribeAmerica
- Topics: Clinical documentation | Operational performance
- Organization type: Hospitals & health systems
The Study
A six-week pilot paired scribes with admitting hospitalists, evaluating productivity, documentation, clinician experience, and financial return.
The Findings
The authors reported 37% higher productivity, a 23% reduction in admission-order turnaround, and approximately 322% combined ROI. That calculation included better billing capture and changes to advanced practice clinician coverage. Clinicians reported less after-shift documentation and fewer burnout symptoms.
Study Context
The short pilot included changes in patient volume, workflows, and staffing. Its results concern admitting physicians and do not establish outcomes for other hospitalist roles. Read the original paper by Kesner, Corvini, and Panter in the Journal of Hospital Management and Health Policy, 2022 (doi:10.21037/jhmhp-21-26).