Versatility in multiple mini-interview implementation: Rater background does not significantly influence assessment scoring

Med Teach. 2020 Apr;42(4):411-415. doi: 10.1080/0142159X.2019.1687867. Epub 2019 Nov 26.

Abstract

The medical school admissions process seeks to assess a core set of cognitive and non-cognitive competencies that reflect professional readiness and institutional mission alignment. The standardized format of multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) can enhance assessments, and thus many medical schools have switched to this for candidate interviews. However, because MMIs are resource-intensive, admissions deans use a variety of interviewers from different backgrounds/professions. Here, we analyze the MMI process for the 2018 admissions cycle at the VCU School of Medicine, where 578 applicants were interviewed by 126 raters from five distinct backgrounds: clinical faculty, basic science faculty, medical students, medical school administrative staff, and community members. We found that interviewer background did not significantly influence MMI evaluative performance scoring, which eliminates a potential concern about the consistency and reliability of assessment.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • School Admission Criteria*
  • Schools, Medical
  • Students, Medical*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires