Stake Holders Opinions of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) for Selection of Medical Students in Pakistan.

Abstract

Background and Objective:In 2002 Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) was introduced to assess the noncognitive and/or high cognitive traits. Shalamar Medical and Dental College (SMDC), Lahore encouraged the process of MMI resulting in implementing and piloting the process from 2015. Acceptability is considered as the important aspect to support the validity evidence and since MMI was conducting the very first time in Pakistan for undergraduate admission, it was important to address its acceptability. The objective of this study is to assess the stake holder's acceptability for Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) for the selection of medical students.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and data was collected at SMDC Lahore, in years 2015 and 2016. The research sample included candidates who applied for the admission in SMDC and examiners, trained faculty of SMDC involved in process MMI for 2015 and 2016. Acceptability of MMI was determined using post-MMI survey through questionnaire with 5-point Likert scale. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0. Demographics were determined. Means, standard deviations and frequencies for each statement of the questionnaire were calculated. Mann-Whitney U-test was applied on the similar statements of the questionnaire among the candidates and examiners for both years separately. Results:In post-MMI survey most of the statements showed more than 80% acceptability for MMI among stake holders for both 2015 and 2016. Comparison of similar statements among candidates and examiners revealed no significant difference except asked about the time duration (5 minutes) was enough to assess the attributes (P=0.003 & P=0.001) for both years 2015 and 2016 respectively. Conclusion:Study provided the evidence of stake holders' (candidates and examiners) acceptability of MMI in medical schools' admission. It reflected that they are contented with the process.