Predictive Ability of Multiple Mini-Interviews in Admissions on Programmatic Academic Achievement: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND

Multiple mini-interviews (MMI) are emerging as the preferred interview format for admittance to health professions training programs.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the evidence regarding MMI as a predictor of programmatic academic achievement in graduate health professions train¬ing programs.

METHODS

Using the PRISMA method, two literature searches on PubMed and Google Scholar of publications from 2004-2019 were completed, identifying 7 unique references pertinent to the review's objective. Head-to-head comparative analysis was completed between articles that had similar outcomes in addition to cumulative analysis of all included studies.

RESULTS

Of the 7 articles included in this systematic review, all had at least one statistically significant correlation between MMI used for admissions and programmatic academic achievement in graduate health professions training programs. Outcomes assessed were highly variable and included specific assessments, cumulative program GPA, and clinical performance. Studies from four unique health professions--dentistry, medicine, physician associate, and pharmacy--were included in the review.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence indicates that MMI are an effective, valid, and reliable admissions interview format to identify future programmatic academic achievement of graduate health professions training students in specific scenarios. A head-to-head analysis comparing MMI with more traditional interview formats, particularly on an entire pool of qualified applicants, would be beneficial to assess for superiority.