Virtual Interviewing in the Era of COVID‐19: A Preliminary Analysis of Otolaryngology Residency Program Costs

Abstract

Objective A preliminary comparison of the program experience and costs associated with the virtual interview season during the 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic against the traditional in-person interview process during the 2019-2020 interview season. Study Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Our institutional program launched an online survey via REDCap to otolaryngology programs across the country. Methods A 33-item survey was sent to otolaryngology residency program directors regarding their experience and costs associated with virtual interviews during the 2020-2021 cycle and in-person interviews during the previous 2019-2020 cycle. Purchasing cost and opportunity cost were calculated for each program. Results Twenty-two programs sent back completed survey responses. Program responses were equally represented among all regions of the United States. In the 2020-2021 interview season, programs received more applications (mean, 400 vs 336 the year prior, P < .001) for a similar number of residency spots per program (3.04 in 2020-2021 vs 3.0 2019-2020, P = .715). The virtual interview led to more half-day interviews, a shorter duration of each interview, and fewer interviews completed per interview date. Purchasing cost decreased by $1940.46 (73%), and person-hours dedicated to the interview process decreased by 52.36 with the virtual interview. Total savings per program with virtual interviews were an estimated $6941.66. Conclusions Virtual interviews in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a shift in application and interview patterns and was associated with a reduction in costs for programs when compared with the in-person interview format.

Evaluation of Vascular Neurology Fellowship Websites in the U.S.

“…Although website enhancement can be costly due to additional staffing and funding, a number of programs, such as urology, family medicine, and otolaryngology, have been able to reduce their costs in the virtual interview cycles by hundreds and thousands of dollars, and these savings can now be directed towards improving Internet content. 29 – 31 …”