Implementation of a modified multiple mini-interview method to assess non-cognitive qualities during resident...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Residency Training
• Applicant Assessment

Background:

• Conventional interviews present challenges in comparing applicants due to bias and interrater variability.
• Assessing non-cognitive attributes like professionalism and ethical reasoning is difficult with traditional methods.
• A postgraduate year one residency program sought to enhance candidate evaluation through an improved interview format.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a modified multiple mini-interview (MMI) approach for residency selection.
• To assess the MMI's effectiveness in evaluating non-cognitive attributes such as communication and professionalism.
• To explore candidate and committee member perceptions of the modified MMI process.

Main Methods:

• A modified MMI was developed with specific scenarios, scripts, and rubrics.
• Residency committee members role-played scenarios and observed candidates.
• Surveys were administered to candidates and committee members to gather feedback on the MMI process.

Main Results:

• 55% of surveyed candidates felt the MMI allowed them to better portray their strengths compared to conventional interviews.
• 100% of surveyed committee members reported increased confidence in determining candidate rankings after MMI implementation.
• The modified MMI facilitated the assessment of crucial non-cognitive attributes.

Conclusions:

• The modified MMI approach enhances the assessment of non-cognitive attributes in residency candidates.
• Implementing the MMI increases committee confidence in selecting and ranking applicants.
• This method provides a more robust evaluation tool for residency selection processes.