title: Use of computerized interview scheduling program for pediatric surgery match applicants.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pediatric surgery fellowship applicants and programs coordinate over 20 interviews per cycle. We hypothesized that replacing e-mail and phone communication with a computerized-scheduling program (CSP) could benefit both parties.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used a CSP to schedule 2016 interviews. Time to schedule and e-mail communication per applicant was compared to 2015, when traditional scheduling was used. Additionally, 2016 interviewees were surveyed about their experience with the CSP vs. traditional means. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and a Student's T-test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found a significant decrease in mean scheduling time from 14.4 to 1.7h (p<0.001) and in e-mails exchanged from 3.4 to 1.0 (p<0.0001). Survey respondents reported 92% satisfaction with the CSP, and 87% found it easier to schedule interviews. Applicants also reported quicker finalization of interview dates (96%), improved access to interview slots (71%), and easier coordination of additional services and time off (63%). Notably, the mean longest time reported to schedule interviews using traditional methods was 7days (range 1-30). Overall, 84% supported widespread adoption of CSPs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using CSPs improved the scheduling process for the significant majority of interviewees, and our program. If widely adopted, this could greatly improve the efficiency of pediatric surgery interview scheduling.
  
  
  METHODS
  N/A.
authors.affiliation: Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Portland, OR, USA. Electronic address: stephcao@ohsu.edu.
authors.forename: Caroline Q
authors.initials: CQ
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.affiliation: Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Portland, OR, USA.
authors.forename: Nicholas A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Hamilton
authors.affiliation: Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Portland, OR, USA.
authors.forename: Ann E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.affiliation: Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Portland, OR, USA.
authors.forename: Sanjay
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Krishnaswami
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D034742:Electronic Mail; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012570:School Admission Criteria; D013043:Specialties, Surgical / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States
keywords: Cost; Fellowship; Interview; Match; Pediatric surgery