Background:
Digital scribes, powered by speech recognition and natural language processing, automate clinical documentation and are increasingly proposed to reduce the documentation burden in general practice. In settings where consultation time is limited and clinical histories are crucial for diagnosis, these tools have the potential to improve workflow efficiency, clinician experience, and patient-centred outcomes. However, the current evidence base is fragmented, with limited comprehensive synthesis focused specifically on primary care contexts.
Aim:
This scoping review aims to systematically map and synthesise existing literature on digital scribes in primary care, with particular emphasis on design, implementation, technical performance, clinical impact, and related ethical, legal, and regulatory issues.
Methods:
The review will follow the Arksey and O’Malley framework, refined by Levac et al., and will adhere to PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. A comprehensive search will be conducted across key bibliographic databases and selected grey literature sources. Inclusion criteria will be based on a modified Population–Concept–Context framework, focusing on digital scribes used in primary care and comparable outpatient or community settings. Screening will be conducted in two stages: title and abstract screening, followed by full-text review.
Data extraction will use piloted forms, with synthesis organised into four predefined categories. Thematic mapping will identify key concepts and gaps in the literature. Findings will be presented both narratively and in tables, providing a structured overview of digital scribe technologies in primary care.
Implications:
This review will offer an overview of digital scribe use in primary care, highlighting important considerations for design, implementation, accuracy, and clinical outcomes. It will inform researchers about underexplored topics such as patient-facing effects, and assist clinicians in evaluating the potential benefits for documentation accuracy and workflow. Additionally, policymakers may find the synthesis valuable for clarifying ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns related to data governance and medico-legal responsibility.