Using the Multiple Mini Interview for selection into vocational general practice training

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONInterviews for selection into post graduate training courses are an accepted method of selection. There is the presumption that such interview processes are fair to both candidates and the training scheme. AIMDue to concerns over unconscious bias and a desire to move to best practice, the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners introduced the Mini Multiple Interview (MMI) process as the selection process for doctors wishing to enter vocational training in general practice. METHODSAspects assessed during the interviews were developed through wide consultation and included: reason for wanting to undertake training, managing poor compliance, addressing issues of equity, managing complaints, insight and understanding the role of general practitioners in chronic care. There were 218 applicants who took the MMI. Demographic data as well as scores were collected. RESULTSThe MMI process has good reliability and performs well in several aspects of validity. All three interview venues had similar results. There was no gender difference in overall result or scores. New Zealand graduates scored higher than overseas graduates. Of the 218 candidates, 12 were considered not yet ready to enter training. DISCUSSIONThe MMI process appears to have acceptable reliability and good validity. The structure of the MMI is likely to have reduced unconscious bias. Further research will study the predictive validity of the MMI for this cohort of candidates.

From the Editor: Aspirations, innovations and reality

“…Moyo et al studied how students' values influence their clinical decision-making 4 and we have a short report from Lillis and colleagues about using the Multiple Mini Interview format to inform the selection of doctors into general practice vocational training. 5 Young adults are the population age group least likely to consult in general practice 6 and while in general this may be because they are also the population age group with the least need for health care, in study following up a cohort of very low birthweight (VLBW) babies at 2729 years of age Darlow and colleagues found a reasonably high level of unmet need for general practice care. 7 These researchers suggest that knowing the birthweight of their registered young adult patients might be helpful in sensitising general practices to the health needs of all young adults, and especially patients who started life as VLBW babies, many of whom have a surfeit of ongoing health issues.…”