Background

Multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) serve as a model to evaluate non-cognitive skills in the admission process of health care professionals.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, reliability and acceptability of the MMI model for the selection of residents and fellows in a cardiovascular center in the past 5 years.

Methods

We conducted an observational study including applicants to the cardiology residency program and to the fellowship in Nuclear Medicine and Cardiovascular Ultrasound in 2018, 2019 and 2022. Ten stations were developed to evaluate different non-cognitive domains. Reliability was assessed using G-coefficient. Applicants and interviewers were also surveyed to assess the acceptability of the MMI model and its feasibility in terms of the time required for the process.

Results

A total of 75 applicants participated in the MMIs. The G study showed reliability coefficients of 0.62 and 0.61 according to the design. Implementation was feasible; 92% of applicants gave positive reviews to the MMI model, and 90% of interviewers reported they had sufficient time to assess the participants and that the process was not an excessively exhausting.

Conclusion

MMIs are a novel method in our setting, demonstrating reliability and a high level of acceptability for evaluating non-cognitive skills in the selection process of applicants to the cardiology residency program and fellowships in a cardiovascular center.