Pilot evaluation of the Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics test

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Residency Selection
• Applicant Assessment Tools

Background:

• High attrition rates in residency programs suggest issues with current selection processes.
• Evaluating personal characteristics crucial for success is challenging.
• A novel tool, the CASPer test, was assessed for its potential in evaluating these characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of implementing the CASPer test in resident selection.
• To assess the CASPer test's ability to predict applicant success.
• To compare CASPer assessments with traditional faculty evaluations.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous, voluntary survey was administered to participants before and after CASPer test exposure.
• CASPer test assessments were compared against traditional faculty assessments and applicant rank list position.
• The study included general surgery residency applicants and faculty interviewers.

Main Results:

• Most applicants (84.4%) and faculty (62.5%) indicated the CASPer test would not deter or would encourage applications.
• A significant correlation was found between traditional faculty assessment and applicant rank (Spearman's rho = -0.45, P=0.033).
• The CASPer test showed a similar, though not statistically significant, correlation with applicant rank (Spearman's rho = -0.41, P=0.055).

Conclusions:

• The CASPer test appears feasible for integration into residency selection.
• The CASPer test demonstrates potential for predicting applicant rank list position.
• This tool may enhance the overall general surgery resident selection process.