Virtual Multiple Mini Interviews: Implementation and evaluation for undergraduate medical, dental, and oral health degrees

Abstract

Introduction: The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) is a widely used method for evaluating non-cognitive skills of applicants to health professions training programs. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a swift transition to virtual MMIs (vMMIs), with initial indications of their feasibility and acceptability. This novel study describes the implementation and evaluation of a large-scale vMMI model for selection into undergraduate medical, dental, and oral health degrees within an Australian university. Methods: A vMMI process was implemented in November 2022, comprising onsite interviewers (n = 450) and remote applicants (n = 1001). Using the online platform Zoom, applicants rotated through six to eight 10-min virtual stations. Acceptability of the virtual process was evaluated using online surveys, completed by interviewers (n = 396) and applicants (n = 255). Results: Overall, interviewers (98%) and applicants (96%) reported the vMMI as a positive experience, citing clear information, suitable interview questions, Zoom use, diversity of interviewers, and lack of gender and cultural bias as strengths of the process. Challenges included difficulties with rapport building and the disturbance of background noise. Conclusions: A large-scale vMMI for three health programs was successfully implemented and positively evaluated. As the uptake of virtual interviews are likely to increase, this study can provide guidance for institutions planning to implement comparable vMMI processes.