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Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
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Do Program Directors of Anesthesiology Residency Programs Interpret Narrative Letters of Recommendation as Intended?
Samantha R Pianello1, Joanna M Abouezzi1, Garret M Weber2,1
1Anesthesiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, USA.
Cureus
|August 1, 2024
Summary
Residency program directors accurately interpret the intended messages in anesthesiology letters of recommendation (LORs). These LORs significantly influence interview and ranking decisions for applicants.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Residency Admissions
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Letters of recommendation (LORs) are crucial for medical residency applications.
- Narrative LORs are preferred by most specialties, but their subjectivity raises interpretation concerns.
- This study examines the accuracy of message interpretation in anesthesiology LORs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if intended messages in narrative anesthesiology LORs are accurately interpreted by program directors (PDs).
- To assess the influence of LORs on interview and ranking decisions.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous online surveys were distributed to PDs of anesthesiology residency programs in the Mid-Atlantic region.
- PDs rated de-identified LORs and indicated their potential influence on applicant selection.
- Correlation analysis (Spearman's rho) was used to compare LOR intent with reader interpretation.
Main Results:
- A high correlation (rho = 0.7973, p < 0.001) was found between LOR intent and reader interpretation.
- Interpretation accuracy was higher for "outstanding and excellent" LORs.
- 71.6% of PDs stated LORs would influence interview decisions, and 56.5% for ranking decisions.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates strong correlation between the writer's intent and the reader's perception of LORs.
- LORs are perceived as valuable tools for making interview and ranking decisions in anesthesiology residency admissions.
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