Jean-Michel Leduc1, Richard Rioux2, Robert Gagnon3, Christian Bourdy4, Ashley Dennis5. 1. a Division of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases , Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal , Montréal , Canada. 2. b Health and Society Institute, Université du Québec à Montréal , Montréal , Canada. 3. c Center of Pedagogy Applied to Health Sciences, Université de Montréal , Montréal , Canada. 4. d Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine , Université de Montréal , Montréal , Canada. 5. e Centre for Medical Education , University of Dundee , Dundee , UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Multiple mini-interviews (MMI) are commonly used for medical school admission. This study aimed to assess if sociodemographic characteristics are associated with MMI performance, and how they may act as barriers or enablers to communication in MMI. METHODS: This mixed-method study combined data from a sociodemographic questionnaire, MMI scores, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with applicants and assessors. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using multiple linear regression and a thematic framework analysis. RESULTS: 1099 applicants responded to the questionnaire. A regression model (R2 = 0.086) demonstrated that being age 25-29 (β = 0.11, p = 0.001), female and a French-speaker (β = 0.22, p = 0.003) were associated with better MMI scores. Having an Asian-born parent was associated with a lower score (β = -0.12, p < 0.001). Candidates reporting a higher family income had higher MMI scores. In the qualitative data, participants discussed how maturity and financial support improved life experiences, how language could act as a barrier, and how ethnocultural differences could lead to misunderstandings. CONCLUSION: Age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and language seem to be associated with applicants' MMI scores because of perceived differences in communications skills and life experiences. Monitoring this association may provide guidance to improve fairness of MMI stations.
BACKGROUND: Multiple mini-interviews (MMI) are commonly used for medical school admission. This study aimed to assess if sociodemographic characteristics are associated with MMI performance, and how they may act as barriers or enablers to communication in MMI. METHODS: This mixed-method study combined data from a sociodemographic questionnaire, MMI scores, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with applicants and assessors. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using multiple linear regression and a thematic framework analysis. RESULTS: 1099 applicants responded to the questionnaire. A regression model (R2 = 0.086) demonstrated that being age 25-29 (β = 0.11, p = 0.001), female and a French-speaker (β = 0.22, p = 0.003) were associated with better MMI scores. Having an Asian-born parent was associated with a lower score (β = -0.12, p < 0.001). Candidates reporting a higher family income had higher MMI scores. In the qualitative data, participants discussed how maturity and financial support improved life experiences, how language could act as a barrier, and how ethnocultural differences could lead to misunderstandings. CONCLUSION: Age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and language seem to be associated with applicants' MMI scores because of perceived differences in communications skills and life experiences. Monitoring this association may provide guidance to improve fairness of MMI stations.
Authors: Ann Blair Kennedy; Cindy Nessim Youssef Riyad; Laura H Gunn; April Gant Brown; Kandyce Brooke Dunlap; Melissa Elizabeth Knutsen; Alicia Anne Dahl Journal: Med Sci Educ Date: 2020-07-02