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Virtual Interview, Real Anxiety: Prospective Evaluation of a Focused Teaching Programme on Confidence Levels Among
Agata P Zielinska1, Jamie A Mawhinney2, Natalie Grundmann3
1Academic Foundation Doctor, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.
Background:
In 2020, final year medical students applying for the United Kingdom's competitive academic training posts face an additional challenge because interviews are conducted online rather than in-person. We assessed how this new format influences anxiety and the impact of a targeted course on candidates' confidence levels.
Methods:
A mixed-methods national teaching programme including online bespoke mock interviews was delivered to prospective Academic Foundation Programme applicants. Pre- and post-interview questionnaires assessed anxiety levels subjectively and using a Measure of Anxiety in Selection Interviews (MASI) scores.
Results:
Individuals self-reported greater confidence, experience and preference for interviews delivered in-person as compared to online interviews. Post-course, there was an increase in self-reported confidence specific to online interviews (p = 0.009) and lower MASI scores in three of five domains, indicating reduced anxiety (social anxiety: p = 0.004, performance anxiety: p <0.001, behavioral anxiety: p = 0.003).
Conclusion:
A structured course can increase confidence and reduce anxiety for online academic medicine interviews.
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