Self-reported confidence in general competencies and skills of clinical clerks of a private medical school for SY 2021-2022: A cross-sectional study

Suzette  M. Mendoza,; Jose Ronilo  G. Juangco,; Aljun Clar  O. Bitay,; Alyssa Louise  V. Bometivo,; Aileen  Q. Briones,; Therese Justine  A. Bruel,; Dominique Anne  Bongala,; Aena Marii  C. Besilia,; Danessa Margaret  L. Buco,; Vince Albert  A. Buenviaje,; Joseph Lorenz  Z. Cabinta,; Ronina Franne  N. Cada,

Self-reported confidence in general competencies and skills of clinical clerks of a private medical school for SY 2021-2022: A cross-sectional study

Discipline: Health

Abstract:

Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical schools shifted to blended learning. This study aimed to determine the demographic and level of confidence of a private medical school’s clinical clerks of School Year 2021-2022 on general competencies and skills. Methods The study aimed to identify the skills that exhibited the highest and lowest levels of confidence among a group of 139 clinical clerks. Additionally, it sought to examine whether there were significant differences in confidence levels based on sex and prior clinical experience. An analytical cross-sectional study design was employed using a Google Form as the data collection tool. Results The clerks were most confident in handwashing, and least in NGT insertion, performing digital rectal examination (DRE), and suturing. Females were more confident in history taking of obstetric and gynecologic, surgical, and medical patients, physical examination of pediatric patients, and preparing a discharge summary, while males were more confident in performing digital rectal examination. Clerks with prior medical experience were significantly more confident in foley catheter insertion, intravenous insertion, blood extraction, suturing, and performing essential intrapartum and newborn care (EINC) than those without. The results aligned with previous studies since clerks with prior experience were able to practice the skills in a psychomotor sense. Conclusion The study revealed significant differences in the confidence level on the competencies and skills for medical practice between sex and prior medical experience.