Allan Pau

The Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) for student selection in health professions training – A systematic review

Background: The Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) has been used increasingly for selection of students to health professions programmes. Objectives: This paper reports on the evidence base for the feasibility, acceptability, reliability and validity of the MMI. Data sources: CINAHL and MEDLINE Study eligibility criteria: All studies testing the MMI on applicants to health professions training. Study appraisal and synthesis methods: Each paper was appraised by two reviewers. Narrative summary findings on feasibility, acceptability, reliability and validity are presented. Results: Of the 64 citations identified, 30 were selected for review. The modal MMI consisted of 10 stations, each lasting eight minutes and assessed by one interviewer. The MMI was feasible, i.e. did not require more examiners, did not cost more, and interviews were completed over a short period of time. It was acceptable, i.e. fair, transparent, free from gender, cultural and socio-economic bias, and did not favour applicants with previous coaching. Its reliability was reported to be moderate to high, with Cronbachs alpha = 0.69–0.98 and G = 0.55–0.72. MMI scores did not correlate to traditional admission tools scores, were not associated with pre-entry academic qualifications, were the best predictor for OSCE performance and statistically predictive of subsequent performance at medical council examinations. Conclusions: The MMI is reliable, acceptable and feasible. The evidence base for its validity against future medical council exams is growing with reports from longitudinal investigations. However, further research is needed for its acceptability in different cultural context and validity against future clinical behaviours.

What does the multiple mini interview have to offer over the panel interview

Introduction This paper compares the panel interview (PI) performance with the multiple mini interview (MMI) performance and indication of behavioural concerns of a sample of medical school applicants. The acceptability of the MMI was also assessed. Materials and methods All applicants shortlisted for a PI were invited to an MMI. Applicants attended a 30-min PI with two faculty interviewers followed by an MMI consisting of ten 8-min stations. Applicants were assessed on their performance at each MMI station by one faculty. The interviewer also indicated if they perceived the applicant to be a concern. Finally, applicants completed an acceptability questionnaire. Results From the analysis of 133 (75.1%) completed MMI scoresheets, the MMI scores correlated statistically significantly with the PI scores (r=0.438, p=0.001). Both were not statistically associated with sex, age, race, or pre-university academic ability to any significance. Applicants assessed as a concern at two or more stations performed statistically significantly less well at the MMI when compared with those who were assessed as a concern at one station or none at all. However, there was no association with PI performance. Acceptability scores were generally high, and comparison of mean scores for each of the acceptability questionnaire items did not show statistically significant differences between sex and race categories. Conclusions Although PI and MMI performances are correlated, the MMI may have the added advantage of more objectively generating multiple impressions of the applicants interpersonal skill, thoughtfulness, and general demeanour. Results of the present study indicated that the MMI is acceptable in a multicultural context.Introduction This paper compares the panel interview (PI) performance with the multiple mini interview (MMI) performance and indication of behavioural concerns of a sample of medical school applicants. The acceptability of the MMI was also assessed. Materials and methods All applicants shortlisted for a PI were invited to an MMI. Applicants attended a 30-min PI with two faculty interviewers followed by an MMI consisting of ten 8-min stations. Applicants were assessed on their performance at each MMI station by one faculty. The interviewer also indicated if they perceived the applicant to be a concern. Finally, applicants completed an acceptability questionnaire. Results From the analysis of 133 (75.1%) completed MMI scoresheets, the MMI scores correlated statistically significantly with the PI scores (r=0.438, p=0.001). Both were not statistically associated with sex, age, race, or pre-university academic ability to any significance. Applicants assessed as a concern at two or more stations performed statistically significantly less well at the MMI when compared with those who were assessed as a concern at one station or none at all. However, there was no association with PI performance. Acceptability scores were generally high, and comparison of mean scores for each of the acceptability questionnaire items did not show statistically significant differences between sex and race categories. Conclusions Although PI and MMI performances are correlated, the MMI may have the added advantage of more objectively generating multiple impressions of the applicants interpersonal skill, thoughtfulness, and general demeanour. Results of the present study indicated that the MMI is acceptable in a multicultural context.

Relationship between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction in newly qualified Malaysian dentists

Job satisfaction (JS) is considered to be a key factor in workforce retention. This article reports on the association between emotional intelligence (EI) and JS in newly qualified dentistsemployed in the Malaysian 3-year compulsory service. A postal questionnaire survey collected data on sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, EI, and JS. In a sample of 342 (58.9%) respondents, sociodemographic characteristics were not statistically significantly associated with both EI and JS total scores, whereas overseas graduates scored more highly on the EI scale compared with local graduates. Linear regression analysis indicated that EI was the only statistically significant predictor of JS. EI was statistically significantly associated with JS with patient relationships (r = 0.28; P = .001), peer support (r = 0.30; P = .001), professional development (r = 0.21; P = .001), quality of care (r = 0.57; P = .001), supporting staff (r = 0.24;P = .001), overall JS (r = 0.28; P = .001), and total JS score (r = 0.40; P = .001). However, EI was not statistically significantly associated with JS with income (r = 0.06; P = .302). These findings have implications for the development of interventions to enhance EI and JS in order to promote retention of dentists in the public sector.

Intracanal placement of calcium hydroxide: a comparison of specially designed paste carrier technique with other techniques

BackgroundThis study compared the effectiveness of a Specially Designed Paste Carrier technique with the Syringe-Spreader technique and the Syringe-Lentulo spiral technique in the intracanal placement of calcium hydroxide.MethodsThree groups, each containing 15 single-rooted human anterior teeth were prepared using standardized Mtwo rotary instruments to a master apical file size 40 with 0.04 taper. Each group was filled with calcium hydroxide paste using: Syringe and #25 finger spreader (Group 1); Syringe and #4 rotary Lentulo spiral (Group 2), Specially Designed Paste Carrier (Group 3). Using pre-filling and post-filling radiographs in buccolingual and mesiodistal planes, the radiodensities at 1 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm from the apical foramen were analyzed by ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests.ResultsOverall, The Specially Designed Paste Carrier technique showed a statistically significantly higher mean radiodensity than the two other compared techniques. No significant difference was detected between the Syringe-Lentulo spiral and the Syringe-Spreader techniques.ConclusionThe Specially Designed Paste Carrier technique was more effective than the Syringe-Spreader technique and the Syringe-Lentulo spiral technique in the intracanal placement of calcium hydroxide.

Factors associated with faculty participation in research activities in dental schools

BACKGROUND To quantify participation in dental research activities in Malaysia, and investigate its association with socio-demographic and professional characteristics, and perceptions of research and development (R&D) culture. MATERIALS AND METHODS Dental academics in Malaysian dental schools were invited to complete a questionnaire by email and post. The survey comprised questions on research activities in the past 12 months, socio-demographic and professional characteristics, and the R&D Culture Index. Principal components factor analysis was carried out to confirm the factor structure of the R&D Culture Index. Chi-square test was used to identify association of research activities with R&D culture, and socio-demographic and professional characteristics. Binary logistic regression was carried to identify predicators of research activities. RESULTS Of 256 potential participants contacted, 128 (50%) useable responses were returned. Three R&D Culture factors accounting for 57.4% of variance were extracted. More positive perception of R&D Support was associated with Malaysians (0.025) and those employed in Government schools (0.017). R&D Skills and Aptitude were associated with older respondents (0.050), PhD qualification (0.014) and more years in academia (0.014). R&D Intention was associated with any of the socio-demographic characteristics. Thirty (23.4%) respondents reported a peer-review research publication in the past 12 months, which was associated with having a PhD (OR 12.79, CI 1.28-127.96), after adjustment in regression analyses. DISCUSSION Postgraduate research training should be encouraged to promote participation in research activities. R&D culture did not appear to impact on research productivity. Other factors such as individual attitudinal interests should be studied.

Experiential Learning in Community Oral Health Promotion A Qualitative Evaluation of the Experiential Aspects

Experiential learning is not merely a set of tools and techniques to provide experiences for knowledge and skills acquisition but also learning that embraces certain principles that must be present at some time during learning. These principles are (a) a mixture of content and process, (b) an absence of excessive judgment, (c) engagement in purposeful endeavors, (d) encouraging the big-picture perspective, (e) the role of reflection, (f) emotional investment, (g) reexamination of values, (h) meaningful relationships, and (i) learning outside one’s perceived comfort zones. We implemented and evaluated a learning initiative in which 30 dental students participated in oral health promotion activities in a residential care home for older adults. Qualitative feedback provided by 24 students suggested that the initiative provided a mixture of content and processes for knowledge application, gave “the opportunity to develop creative interventions and make decisions”; allowed students to “solve problems and share knowledge”; helped them “see the reality more . . . and reach out to the community”; led them to reflect on their effectiveness, “not sure what we have done are sufficient to actually help”; motivated them to “take some time off to understand their troubles” and not just doing what they thought was required; inspired them to examine their values around “feeling of social connectedness . . . and a desire to give back”; and provided opportunities to learn outside their comfort zones, “step out of campus and encounter all the different people” and demonstrated that the experiential aspects of experiential learning can and should be evaluated.

Dental students' compliance with antibiotic prescribing guidelines for dental infections in children

Context: To investigate the antibiotic prescribing training received by dental students, clinical experience in treating child patients, awareness of antibiotic prescribing guidelines, preparedness in antibiotic prescribing, and compliance with antibiotic prescribing guidelines for the management of dental infections in children. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving final year dentals students from Malaysian and Asian dental schools. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of five clinical case scenarios was e-mailed to all final year students at selected dental schools. Students′ responses were compared for each clinical case scenario with the prescribing guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. Compliance in each scenario was tested for association with their preparedness in antibiotic prescribing, previous training on antibiotic prescribing and awareness of antibiotic prescribing guidelines using Chi-square test. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS statistics version 20. Results: A total of 108 completed responses were received. About 74 (69%) students were from Malaysian dental schools. The compliance rate with prescribing guidelines ranged from 15.7% to 43.5%. Those attending Malaysian dental schools (47.3%) and those who had treated child patient more often (46.3%) were more likely (P < 0.05) to be aware of the guidelines. Those who had received antibiotic prescribing training (21.3%) were more likely to think they were well prepared in antibiotic prescribing (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Final year dental students had low awareness and compliance with antibiotic prescribing guidelines. Further research is needed to investigate how compliance with the guidelines may be enhanced.

Patterns of Dental Trauma in Children Presenting in Hospital Based Dental Clinics: A Review

Patterns of Dental Trauma in Children Presenting in Hospital Based Dental Clinics: A Review Dental trauma is a common dental emergency worldwide and understanding the patterns of its presentation is useful to plan prevention and management. The aim of this paper is to review the literature on dental trauma in children presenting to hospital dental clinics. Three different databases were searched and a total of 139 titles were identified of which 16 met the selection criteria. Data were extracted into a table and the pattern of presentation, common causes and types of dental trauma were researched.

Self-reported oral health status and oral-health related behaviours of a sample of Chinese elders in Inner London, UK: A pilot investigation

Abstract Objectives To describe the self-reported oral health status and oral-health related behaviours of a sample of 54 Chinese elders aged 54 years and over, resident in Inner London. Design Cross-sectional study, using a structured questionnaire administered by two interviewers in English and Cantonese in three luncheon clubs in Inner London. Results Subjects who reported poor to fair oral health (33 subjects, 72%) were more likely to report poor to fair overall health rather than good overall health. Seventeen subjects (32%) reported having 20 or more natural teeth; 10 subjects (18%) were edentulous; 31 subjects (57%) wore dentures; 25 subjects (46%) reported having experienced at least two oral conditions in the previous twelve months; 40 subjects (74%) reported brushing their teeth or dentures at least twice a day; 31 subjects (58%) had not visited a dentist in the previous twelve months. Subjects who had visited a dentist in the previous twelve months were more likely to report having language difficulties rather than no difficulties with their use of health services. Conclusions Self-perceived overall health was found to be associated with self-perceived condition of teeth. Migration and ethnicity may have an impact on dental care utilisation. Although the sample reported a symptom-oriented pattern of dental care utilisation, poor self-perception of oral health and experience of oral conditions do not always lead to dental care utilisation. There is a gap in knowledge on the cause and prevention of periodontal disease. Further research is required to establish the correlation between the clinical measures of overall health and oral health, and between ethnicity and dental care utilisation.