A Computer Simulation Model to Analyze the Application Process for Competitive Residency Programs
| Autor: | Randall A. Bly, Mark E. Whipple, Anthony Law |
|---|---|
| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2019 |
| Předmět: |
020205 medical informatics
Computer science Process (engineering) To the Editor MEDLINE Internship and Residency 02 engineering and technology General Medicine United States Organizational Innovation 03 medical and health sciences Engineering management Otolaryngology 0302 clinical medicine Education Medical Graduate Surveys and Questionnaires 0202 electrical engineering electronic engineering information engineering Humans Computer Simulation 030212 general & internal medicine Personnel Selection Delivery of Health Care Original Research |
| Zdroj: | J Grad Med Educ |
| Popis: | Background The residency match process for competitive specialties hinders programs' ability to holistically review applications. Objective A computer simulation model of the residency application process was created to test the hypotheses that (1) it is advantageous to medical students to apply to the maximum number of programs under the current system, and (2) including a medical student's residency program preferences at the beginning of the application process improves the efficiency of the system for applicants and programs as quantified by the number of interview invitations received. Methods The study was conducted in 2016 using 2014 Otolaryngology Match data. A computer model was created to perform simulations for multiple scenarios to test the hypotheses. Students were assigned scores representing easy and hard metrics and program preferences, simulating a mixture of individual student preference and general program popularity. Results We modeled a system of 99 otolaryngology residency programs with 292 residency spots and 460 student applicants. While it was individually advantageous for an applicant to apply to the maximum number of programs, this led to a poor result for the majority of students when all applicants undertook the strategy. The number of interview invitations improved for most applicants when preference was revealed. Conclusions Offering applicants an option to provide program preference improves the practical number of interview invitations. This enables programs to review applicants holistically—instead of using single parameters such as United States Medical Licensing Examination scores—which facilitates a selection of applicants who will be successful in residency. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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