Virtual interview, real anxiety: Prospective evaluation of a focused teaching programme on confidence levels among medical students applying for academic clinical posts

Abstract

Background: In 2020, final year medical students applying for the United Kingdom’s competitive academic training posts face an additional challenge because interviews are conducted online rather than in-person. We assessed how this new format influences anxiety and the impact of a targeted course on candidates’ confidence levels. Methods: A mixed-methods national teaching programme including online bespoke mock interviews was delivered to prospective Academic Foundation Programme applicants. Pre-and post-interview questionnaires assessed anxiety levels subjectively and using a Measure of Anxiety in Selection Interviews (MASI) scores. Results: Individuals self-reported greater confidence, experience and preference for interviews delivered in-person as compared to online interviews. Post-course, there was an increase in self-reported confidence specific to online interviews (p = 0.009) and lower MASI scores in three of five domains, indicating reduced anxiety (social anxiety: p = 0.004, performance anxiety: p <0.001, behavioral anxiety: p = 0.003). Conclusion: A structured course can increase confidence and reduce anxiety for online academic medicine interviews.