[Multiple mini interviews before the occupation of main training posts in paediatrics].

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Professional Training
• Paediatric Residency Selection

Background:

• Interviews are mandatory for selecting doctors for training positions in Denmark.
• The multiple mini-interview (MMI) is a common tool for assessing candidates in various medical fields.
• Paediatric training posts require a robust selection process to identify suitable candidates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, reliability, and acceptability of the multiple mini-interview (MMI) for selecting doctors into paediatric training positions.
• To assess the psychometric properties of the MMI in the context of a Danish residency recruitment process.
• To determine if the MMI effectively differentiates candidates for specialised medical training.

Main Methods:

• The study involved 125 candidates applying for paediatric training posts over four recruitment rounds.
• Candidates were assessed using curriculum vitae (CV) and a multiple mini-interview (MMI) comprising 4-5 stations.
• Reliability of individual MMI stations was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, and overall reliability was evaluated using G-theory.

Main Results:

• Individual MMI stations demonstrated adequate reliability, with Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.63 to 0.92.
• Overall reliability, assessed by G-theory, was lower than expected, indicating that different skills were being measured across stations.
• The MMI format was found to have high acceptability among candidates and evaluators, suggesting good feasibility for implementation.

Conclusions:

• Multiple mini-interviews (MMI) show good feasibility and acceptable reliability for selecting doctors into paediatric training programs.
• The observed lower overall reliability suggests a need to refine MMI design to ensure consistent assessment of desired competencies.
• Increasing the number of MMI stations may enhance overall reliability and improve the precision of candidate evaluation for specialised medical training.