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How effective are selection methods in medical education? A systematic review
Fiona Patterson1, Alec Knight2, Jon Dowell3
1Department of Organisational Psychology, City University, London, UK.
Medical Education
|December 24, 2015
Summary
Academic records, multiple mini-interviews (MMIs), aptitude tests, situational judgement tests (SJTs), and selection centres (SCs) are effective medical school selection methods. These methods are fairer and more predictive of success than traditional interviews, references, and personal statements.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Healthcare Professional Selection
- Admissions Strategy
Background:
- Medical school selection methods aim to identify candidates likely to succeed in training and become competent clinicians.
- Current methods lack consensus on evaluating non-academic attributes, with insufficient longitudinal studies on post-qualification success predictors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review evidence on the relative strengths of various medical school selection methods.
- To provide a research agenda and identify considerations for future policy and practice in medical admissions.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted for studies published between 1997 and 2015.
- 194 articles were appraised based on selection method, research question, and study design.
Main Results:
- Eight selection methods were evaluated: aptitude tests, academic records, personal statements, references, SJTs, personality/emotional intelligence assessments, interviews/MMIs, and SCs.
- Academic records, MMIs, aptitude tests, SJTs, and SCs demonstrated higher effectiveness and fairness compared to traditional interviews, references, and personal statements.
- Differential prediction of performance across medical education stages and clinical practice was noted for various selection methods.
Conclusions:
- Academic records, MMIs, aptitude tests, SJTs, and SCs are more effective and fairer selection tools.
- Current research over-relies on cross-sectional designs and reliability over validity.
- A comprehensive framework for outcome criteria is needed to fairly compare selection methods, addressing gaps in evidence on optimal tool combinations and weightings.
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