The use of surveys to improve the clinical psychology internship program and intern recruitment process.

Abstract

The clinical psychology internship recruitment process serves an essential function in psychology training. The current study describes the use of surveys distributed to internship applicants, interviewed at a pediatric or child clinical-focused internship program, designed to elicit feedback regarding the interview day and program. Method: Anonymous surveys were sent to all interviewees at a doctoral internship program at a children's hospital. Surveys were distributed after rank lists were submitted and collected prior to match day. Surveys included quantitative and qualitative feedback on specific aspects of the internship (e.g., rotations) as well as the interview format (e.g., interview logistics). Survey results from 6 years of interviews were reviewed for the current study. Results: Respondents included 213 interviewees (93% female, 76% non-Hispanic White). Results indicated positive views of the internship, with enthusiasm higher for self-reported racial or ethnic minority applicants and those interested in pediatric psychology. Respondents noted that the individual interviews with faculty and meeting with the current interns were the 2 most valuable components of the interview format. Applicants to this program reported most interest in having rotations of perceived value, specifically pediatric psychology and consultϪliaison rotations. Concerns primarily centered on the relative cost of living to stipend ratio. Conclusions: Use of surveys following internship interviews allows sites a deeper understanding of the needs and interest of trainees served by the program. This enables sites to adjust their interview format and internship program to ensure that they are meeting the needs of trainees. Implications for Impact StatementThe current study found that assessing the impressions of applicants for a pediatric and child clinical internship was valuable for refining the internship program and interview format. Specifically, pediatric psychology applicants appear to be interested in general, as well as pediatric-specific, training opportunities and particularly value flexibility to tailor an internship program to individual interests. Pediatric internships may benefit from instituting annual exit surveys to interviewees to match the needs and interest of trainees.

Implementation of a data-driven approach to internship recruitment.

“…Furthermore, efforts are made to make the interview day as informative as possible as well, so applicants can get an accurate sense of what our program has to offer. Data obtained from a yearly survey we conduct of applicants we interview (after rankings are made but before match results are revealed) suggest that the opportunities to talk in-depth with faculty and current interns on the interview days are among the most important components of the interview day (Mackey & Efron, 2019).…”