title: Randomized evaluation of a web based interview process for urology resident selection.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We determined whether a web based interview process for resident selection could effectively replace the traditional on-site interview.
  
  
  METHODS
  For the 2010 to 2011 match cycle, applicants to the University of New Mexico urology residency program were randomized to participate in a web based interview process via Skype or a traditional on-site interview process. Both methods included interviews with the faculty, a tour of facilities and the opportunity to ask current residents any questions. To maintain fairness the applicants were then reinterviewed via the opposite process several weeks later. We assessed comparative effectiveness, cost, convenience and satisfaction using anonymous surveys largely scored on a 5-point Likert scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 39 total participants (33 applicants and 6 faculty) 95% completed the surveys. The web based interview was less costly to applicants (mean $171 vs $364, p=0.05) and required less time away from school (10% missing 1 or more days vs 30%, p=0.04) compared to traditional on-site interview. However, applicants perceived the web based interview process as less effective than traditional on-site interview, with a mean 6-item summative effectiveness score of 21.3 vs 25.6 (p=0.003). Applicants and faculty favored continuing the web based interview process in the future as an adjunct to on-site interviews.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Residency interviews can be successfully conducted via the Internet. The web based interview process reduced costs and improved convenience. The findings of this study support the use of videoconferencing as an adjunct to traditional interview methods rather than as a replacement.
authors.affiliation: Division of Urology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA. SShah@salud.unm.edu
authors.forename: Satyan K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Sanjeev
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arora
authors.forename: Betty
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Skipper
authors.forename: Summers
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kalishman
authors.forename: T Craig
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Timm
authors.forename: Anthony Y
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D020407:Internet; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010560:Personnel Selection / Q000379:methods*; D012570:School Admission Criteria; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014572:Urology / Q000193:education*; D049269:Videoconferencing