Comparison of web-based and face-to-face interviews for application to an anesthesiology training program: a pilot study

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study compared admission rates to a United States anesthesiology residency program for applicants completing face-to-face versus web-based interviews during the admissions process. We also explored factors driving applicants to select each interview type.MethodsThe 211 applicants invited to interview for admission to our anesthesiology residency program during the 2014-2015 application cycle were participants in this pilot observational study. Of these, 141 applicants selected face-to-face interviews, 53 applicants selected web-based interviews, and 17 applicants declined to interview. Data regarding applicants' reasons for selecting a particular interview type were gathered using an anonymous online survey after interview completion. Residency program admission rates and survey answers were compared between applicants completing face-to-face versus web-based interviews.ResultsOne hundred twenty-seven (75.1%) applicants completed face-to-face and 42 (24.9%) completed web-based interviews. The admission rate to our residency program was not significantly different between applicants completing face-to-face versus web-based interviews. One hundred eleven applicants completed post-interview surveys. The most common reasons for selecting web-based interviews were conflict of interview dates between programs, travel concerns, or financial limitations. Applicants selected face-to-face interviews due to a desire to interact with current residents, or geographic proximity to the residency program.ConclusionsThese results suggest that completion of web-based interviews is a viable alternative to completion of face-to-face interviews, and that choice of interview type does not affect the rate of applicant admission to the residency program. Web-based interviews may be of particular interest to applicants applying to a large number of programs, or with financial limitations.

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“…Both studies found that applicants appreciated the convenience and cost-saving benefits of webbased interviews. Vadi et al directly compared in-person versus web-based interviews in a pilot study of 211 candidates who applied for an anesthesiology residency [14]. In the study, 127 applicants (75.1%) completed face-to-face interviews and 42 (24.9%) completed web-based interviews.…”

“…The researchers found that the type of interview did not influence which applicants were selected for admission to the residency program. Vadi and team concluded that web-based interviews are a viable alternative to traditional interviews [14].…”

Feasibility and Usability of Tele-interview for Medical Residency Interview

“… 19 The Department of Anesthesiology at Loma Linda University School of Medicine observed that the proportion of applicants accepted to residency programs was not affected by the modality of the interview. 9 …”

Video-Based Interviewing in Medicine: Protocol for a Scoping Review

“…In light of the aforementioned environmental, nancial and opportunity costs associated with faceto-face interviews, some programs have attempted to transition towards video-based interviewing with differing results 7 -11 . In a study of applicants given the option between video-based or face-to-face interviews, video-based interviews were primarily chosen when there were nancial limitations, travel concerns, or interview con icts 11 . While video-based interviews were found to be a viable alternative to face-to-face interviews in a pilot study of medical students applying to the anesthesiology residency program, other studies view video-based interviews as an effective adjunct rather than a replacement to the traditional face-to-face interview 9,11 .…”

“…In a study of applicants given the option between video-based or face-to-face interviews, video-based interviews were primarily chosen when there were nancial limitations, travel concerns, or interview con icts 11 . While video-based interviews were found to be a viable alternative to face-to-face interviews in a pilot study of medical students applying to the anesthesiology residency program, other studies view video-based interviews as an effective adjunct rather than a replacement to the traditional face-to-face interview 9,11 . Barriers to transitioning to video-based interviews have mainly been due to concerns of less rapport and being less effective in allowing applicants to represent themselves 9 .…”