Acceptability and reliability of multiple mini interviews for admission to otolaryngology residency

To evaluate the acceptability and reliability of the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) for the selection of applicants to an Otolaryngology-Head and Neck (OTL-HNS) residency program.

Prospective observational study.

Canadian medical graduates applying to the OTL-HNS residency program at McGill University in 2011 and 2012 underwent a 7-station MMI. Upon completion, the major stakeholders commented on and rated various aspects of the MMI using a 7-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative portion of the exit survey, while content analysis and thematic description was applied to qualitative data. Interrater reliability was examined with intraclass correlation coefficients.

Data was collected from 45 applicants and 18 evaluators. The majority of applicants (>80%) felt that the MMI helped them present their strengths and was free of any gender, cultural, or age bias. Assessors (>85%) agreed the MMI evaluated a valid range of competencies, and that it tested more aspects of an applicant than did traditional interviews. Both applicants and assessors (>70%) agreed that the MMI was a fair process, and both preferred it over the traditional interview. Overall, interrater reliability of the MMI was good.

This is the first study to examine how the MMI interview process can be adapted for admission to an OTL-HNS residency program, while showing both good acceptability for all major stakeholders and good reliability.