Reducing Waiting Times and Admission Periods through Pre-Admission Testing: A Quality Improvement Study on In-Hospital Renal Biopsy.

Background: Admission for renal biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing kidney disease. However, prolonged waiting times for admission can lead to delayed diagnosis. Despite this issue, there are currently no studies demonstrating how to improve the efficiency of renal biopsy procedures. Methods: We initiated a quality improvement project to implement pre-admission testing (PAT) for renal biopsy from 2016 to 2024 (until 15 April). Our evaluation focused on waiting times for admission, length of admission periods, hospitalization expenses, percentage of cases with no renal biopsy performed, incidence of severe bleeding due to renal biopsy, and percentage of cases with adequate tissue samples obtained. Additionally, we highlighted the time periods during the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2. Results: The highest annual case number was observed in time period 1 (168.3/year). Following the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, there was a notable decrease in case numbers during time period 2 (119.8), which then increased to 143.0 in time period 3 (post-SARS-CoV-2 era). The mean waiting time was 13.72 ± 40.30 days for time period 1 and 10.00 ± 47.80 days for time period 2, without statistical significance. Following the implementation of PAT, patients now only need to wait approximately 0.76 days for admission, representing a significant reduction in waiting time. Subsequently, following the implementation of PAT, the waiting time decreased significantly to 2.09 ± 2.65 days. Additionally, hospitalization expenses per patient significantly decreased from approximately USD 69.62 ± 97.09 to USD 41.66 ± 52.82. The percentage of missed biopsy is significantly low (p < 0.001). Severe bleeding events (indicated as embolization and blood transfusion) were consistent across the three time periods (p = 0.617). Conclusions: The implementation of PAT can improve the pre-admission process for renal biopsy, resulting in decreased waiting times, fewer missed appointments, shorter admission durations, and reduced hospitalization expenses. We propose implementing PAT for outpatient individuals awaiting in-hospital renal biopsy procedures to mitigate delayed diagnosis, reduce pre-admission waiting periods, and streamline admission processes, thereby enhancing overall patient care efficiency.

Predicting Success: A Comprehensive Analysis of High School and Admission Test Scores on Future Academic Performance of Dental Students.

Introduction Dental school admissions in Pakistan traditionally rely on Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC), University of Health Sciences (UHS), and National Testing Service (NTS) scores, with limited research available on their predictive validity for dental school performance. This study aims to investigate the correlation between a student's first-year dental school performance and their HSSC, UHS, and NTS scores. Methods A total of 282 records, spanning the years 2016 to 2020, were obtained from a single private dental institution. The data included HSSC, UHS, and/or NTS scores, with the first professional examination results as the dependent variable. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corp., Version 25.0, Armonk, NY), encompassing descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. Results Pearson's coefficients revealed weak to moderate positive correlations between the first professional examination and HSSC (r=0.209, p<.01), UHS (r=0.344, p<.01), and NTS (r=0.350, p<.01), all statistically significant at p < 0.01. Multiple regression analysis indicated that UHS scores contributed the highest explanatory power (R² = 0.146) in predicting first professional examination results. Conclusion A positive correlation between HSSC, UHS, and NTS scores with dental students' performance in the first professional examination is observed. However, the correlations are moderate, highlighting the importance of incorporating assessments that consider cognitive, behavioral, and skill-related aspects in admissions processes. Given the evolving landscape of dental education, these findings underscore the need for a holistic approach to identify candidates better equipped to serve the healthcare sector.

Relationship between admission selection tools and student attrition in the early years of medical school.

Objectives: Placement in medical schools is highly sought after worldwide with fierce competition among applicants. However, some of the best students withdraw after being accepted to medical school. The aim of this study was to investigate early student attrition within the first 2 years of medical school and determine its relationship to admission selection tools. Methods: Quantitative research was conducted at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences from 2016 until 2020, during which time routine admission data and students' examination results for the first 2 years were collected and analyzed. Results: The attrition rate during the study period was 31.7%. High school and college written examination scores were significantly related to completing the premedical program (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Female students scored significantly higher in multiple mini interviews (MMIs) compared with male counterparts (p < 0.001). However, the difference in MMI score was not related to student attrition (p = 0.148). Conclusion: The cause of early attrition is complex and cannot be attributed to a single factor.Undergraduate high school score and written admission examination results were statistically significant factors in relation to student attrition rate and low academic performance. The results of this study showed that the female students scored significantly higher in the multiple MMI tests compared to male students. However, MMI score alone was not significantly related to student attrition.

Assessing the validity of admission test into the internship programme at a private university in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To report the development and validity assessment of a comprehensive model of assessment method comprising written test and multiple mini interviews for selection in a medical internship programme. METHODS: The psychometric validation study was conducted at the Aga Khan University, Karachi, and comprised anonymised scores of written admission test, multiple mini interviews and exit written exams for all the interns who completed their internships in 2018 and 2019. Correlation between admission and exit tests, and predictions were assessed. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: There were 160 interns; 80(50%) each in 2018 and 2019. Mean scores were 68.8±4.40% for written tests and 76.7±4.66% for multiple mini interviews. The mean score for exit examination was 68.1±6.84%. The Cronbach's alpha of scores on the written admission test was 0.82 and 0.88 for the two years, respectively, while for the multiple mini interviews, the corresponding values were 0.81 and 0.94. The written admission and exit tests were moderately correlated (0.44) while the correlations of multiple mini interviews scores with written admissions and exit tests were -0.28 and 0.04, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The selection process should comprise multiple measures of assessment to ensure the selection of the best candidates.

Effects of race and test preparation resources on standardized test scores, a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Little research exists on the relationship between pre-examination resources, race, and standardized test outcomes. This study aimed to determine the effect of test preparation resources and race on test scores. METHODS: We surveyed medical students at an allopathic institution on the use of test preparation materials and their test scores. Students were grouped by self-identified race. Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) students were defined as Black/African American (AA), Hispanic/Latino (HL), Native American (NA) and multiple races. Univariate analysis and linear regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 192 students completed the survey (response rate = 33%). URiM students reported more MCAT attempts than other students. No differences between scores existed between races. There was no association between scores and the use of test preparation resources. CONCLUSIONS: We found that URiM students took the MCAT more times than their peers; however, we found no racial/ethnic differences in examination preparation resources or scores.

Prediction of Admission Tests for Medical Students' Academic Performance.

Introduction: Medical educators are concerned about predicting standardized tests for students' academic performance in medical colleges. This study, in Saudi Arabia, attempted to analyze the predictive validity of two local standardized tests (GAT and SAAT) for students' performance in the first two years and basic and advanced science courses. This study is unique since it focuses on comparing the prediction of both tests between the two years and examining the difference in students' performance in basic and advanced science courses. Methods: Data of 650 students included GAT and SAAT scores, GPA in the first and second year, and average basic and advanced science courses validated through students' college ID. Results: Results show that both GAT and SAAT significantly predict medical students' GPA with sufficient strength (ie, R2 =27% and 28% for the first and second years). It also indicates that GAT and SAAT are significant predictors of students' academic performance in their basic and advanced science courses with an acceptable strength (ie, R2= 27% for the basic science course, and R2= 22% for advanced science course). Discussion: Based on these results, the study concludes about the necessity of having more accurate and relevant admission criteria for medical colleges.

Association of admissions factors with student performance in preclinical operative dentistry.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: Admission to dental school is based on various factors including academic achievements in undergraduate coursework and the Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores. Students' success in an operative course requires fundamental knowledge, hand skills, spatial awareness, and self-assessment ability. The goal of this study is to evaluate how admissions factors, such as Grade Point Average (GPA) and DAT, including the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT), relate to students' academic and preclinical performance and self-assessment skills in preclinical operative dentistry. METHODS: A total of 239 students were included from seven class years (2016-2022). Third-year dental students participated in a preclinical operative dentistry course. At the end of the course, they took the final multiple-choice exam and performed four competency examination procedures: Class II amalgam preparation and restoration and Class III resin-composite preparation and restoration. Calibrated faculty graded students' work independently and students also self-assessed their performance using the same rubrics as faculty. Linear regressions were performed to estimate the association between the admission factors with the mean faculty scores (measuring preclinical performance), student-faculty (S-F) gap scores (evaluating self-assessment skills), and their final didactic exam scores. RESULTS: Overall, students' self-assessment was higher compared to faculty score. Linear regression analysis demonstrated positive correlations between the PAT and students' preclinical performance as well as between the DAT and their didactic exam scores. In general, S-F gap score decreased as PAT score increased, and it was statistically significant lower for the Class III preparation, indicating a better self-assessment skill. No correlations were observed between student performance and GPA scores. CONCLUSION: The findings from the association between student performance and admission factors may play an important role in the dental school admissions process and assist students who may benefit from early faculty intervention and support.

The validity of the assignment book-based structured interview in predicting academic performance in medical schools: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Structured interviews have become essential in the medical schools admission selection because structured interviews predict academic achievement after admission. The purpose of this study was to determine validity and fairness of the new structural interview technique, assignment book-based structured interview (ABSI), in predicting future academic achievement of the medical students. METHODS: The validity of this new interview technique and academic achievement was evaluated based on the data of all the applicants and successful applicants who applied for on-time admission between the year 2011 and 2014. RESULTS: The ABSI technique showed a significant correlation and predictive validity for academic achievement in the medical school. The retention group received significantly lower T-scores of ABSI compared with the superior student group. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that ABSI is a feasible, reliable, fair and valid admission selection tool. The ABSI may be meaningful and fair method for predicting academic achievements, and it could be incorporated as one of the contents in the multiple mini-interview.

Development of a clinical prediction model for perinatal deaths in low resource settings.

BACKGROUND: Most pregnancy-related deaths in low and middle income countries occur around the time of birth and are avoidable with timely care. This study aimed to develop a prognostic model to identify women at risk of intrapartum-related perinatal deaths in low-resourced settings, by (1) external validation of an existing prediction model, and subsequently (2) development of a novel model. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted among pregnant women who presented consecutively for delivery at the maternity unit of Zanzibar's tertiary hospital, Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, the Republic of Tanzania between October 2017 and May 2018. Candidate predictors of perinatal deaths included maternal and foetal characteristics obtained from routine history and physical examination at the time of admission to the labour ward. The outcomes were intrapartum stillbirths and neonatal death before hospital discharge. An existing stillbirth prediction model with six predictors from Nigeria was applied to the Zanzibar cohort to assess its discrimination and calibration performance. Subsequently, a new prediction model was developed using multivariable logistic regression. Model performance was evaluated through internal validation and corrected for overfitting using bootstrapping methods. FINDINGS: 5747 mother-baby pairs were analysed. The existing model showed poor discrimination performance (c-statistic 0·57). The new model included 15 clinical predictors and showed promising discriminative and calibration performance after internal validation (optimism adjusted c-statistic of 0·78, optimism adjusted calibration slope =0·94). INTERPRETATION: The new model consisted of predictors easily obtained through history-taking and physical examination at the time of admission to the labour ward. It had good performance in predicting risk of perinatal death in women admitted in labour wards. Therefore, it has the potential to assist skilled birth attendance to triage women for appropriate management during labour. Before routine implementation, external validation and usefulness should be determined in future studies. FUNDING: The study received funding from Laerdal Foundation, Otto Kranendonk Fund and UMC Global Health Fellowship. TD acknowledges financial support from the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (grant 91617050).

Suicidal behaviors and university entrance test-related factors: A Bangladeshi exploratory study.

PURPOSE: The present study is the first investigating unexplored psychological issues of university entrance test-taking students in Bangladesh. DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study investigates suicidal behaviors and their socio-demographic, admission test-related, and psychopathological risk factors among a total of 911-Bangladeshi university entrance test-takers. FINDINGS: About 17.7% of the participants report suicidal thoughts, whereas it is 8.0% and 2.5% for suicide plans and suicide attempts, respectively. Significantly higher suicidal thought is observed in the repeat test-taking students compared to the first-time test-takers (20.7% vs. 14.6%, χ 2 = 5.669, p = 0.017), though the suicide plan and suicide attempt are not associated with student status. The suicidal thought risk factors include female gender, urban residence, satisfaction with the mock test, mental disorders etc. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The present findings warrant implementing initiatives for this suicide-prone cohort, especially for the test-failing students.

Wax carving exercises predict performance on practical examinations for first-year dental students.

Perceptual ability test (PAT) is a valid determinant for spatial perceptions. However, a validated psychomotor skill test for dentistry does not currently exist. PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine whether the results of two wax carving exercises (E1 and E2), PAT, quantitative reasoning (QR), and academic average (AA) tests predict students' performance on dental anatomy practical examinations. METHODS: First-year dental students (n = 69) participated in the study. Results of the PAT, QR, and AA were obtained from the Admissions Office. Participants completed wax carving exercises during the first (E1) and last weeks (E2) of the dental anatomy course. Carving instruments, instruction, and rubrics, were provided to participants who were instructed to carve a cube and a semicircle shape into a wax block using the wax subtraction technique. Two calibrated and blinded faculty graded the exercise as ideal, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory in four categories: finish, sharpness, symmetry, and accuracy. During the dental anatomy course, participants completed wax carving practical examinations for a maxillary central incisor and a mandibular first molar. Examinations were graded by calibrated faculty as ideal, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory. The linear mixed effects model assessed influences of independent variables on the practical examinations. RESULTS: estimates of the independent variables on the practical examinations were PAT (0.027), AA (0.088), QR (-0.014), E1 (0.235), and E2 (0.175). CONCLUSIONS: wax carving exercises were stronger predictors of performance on the practical examinations than the PAT, AA, and QR. This simple exercise may help identify students early in their preclinical education requiring additional assistance.

Can Different Admissions to Medical School Predict Performance of Non-Technical Skill Performance in Simulated Clinical Settings?

Non-technical skills (NTS) in medical care are essential to ensure patient safety. Focussing on applicants' NTS during medical school admission could be a promising approach to ensure that future physicians master NTS at a high level. Next to pre-university educational attainment, many selection tests have been developed worldwide to facilitate and standardise the selection process of medical students. The predictive validity of these tests regarding NTS performance in clinical settings has not been investigated (yet). Therefore, we explored the predictive validities and prognosis of the Hamburg MMI (HAM-Int), HAM-Nat, PEA, and waiting as well as other quota (as example) designated by the Federal Armed Forces) for NTS performance in clinical emergency medicine training of medical students. During 2017 and 2020, N = 729 second, third, and fourth year students were enrolled within the study. The mean age of participants was 26.68 years (SD 3.96) and 49% were female students. NTS of these students were assessed during simulation scenarios of emergency training with a validated rating tool. Students admitted via waiting quota and designated by the Armed Forces performed significantly better than students admitted by excellent PEA (p = 0.026). Non-EU students performed significantly inferior (p = 0.003). Our findings provide further insight to explain how and if admission to medical school could predict NTS performance of further physicians.

Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Becoming a Medical Professional Among Underrepresented Undergraduate and Postbaccalaureate Learners.

OBJECTIVE: To assess underrepresented undergraduate and postbaccalaureate learners' perceptions of (1) the medical field, (2) barriers that might prevent individuals from pursuing professional medical careers, and (3) resources that assist in overcoming these barriers. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A qualitative study with focus groups was designed to achieve the objective. Participants were recruited from a community initiative to provide early exploration of the medical field to disadvantaged and minority individuals. Thirty-five individuals voluntarily participated in semistructured interviews. Audio from the interviews was analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach and thematic analysis. This study was conducted from October 20, 2018, to April 6, 2019. RESULTS: Participants identified multiple characteristics related to the health care work environment and desirable attributes of health care personnel. The following barriers were identified: financial burden, lacking knowledge of the path to becoming a medical professional, inadequate social support, and lacking the metrics of a competitive candidate. Resources identified by participants to overcome barriers included professional networks and programmatic considerations. CONCLUSION: The study participants discussed negative and positive aspects of the health care environment, such as implicit and explicit biases and attributes that promote or sustain success. Participants expounded on financial, academic, social, and personal factors as barriers to success. In regard to resources that were believed to be helpful to mitigate barriers and promote success, participants commented on activities that simulate a professional medical environment, include networking with medical personnel, support well-being, and provide exposure to structured information on the process of obtaining professional medical training.

Determination of predictors impacting performance on the third-year pharmacy curriculum outcomes assessment at a historically Black college of pharmacy.

INTRODUCTION: The Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) is a standardized exam developed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) in 2008 to measure the curriculum in relation to student progress. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of pre-admissions and pharmacy school variables on third-year student PCOA performance at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) College of Pharmacy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from three cohorts of students who took the PCOA in their third professional year from 2015 to 2017. An independent samples t-test, correlation analysis, and multivariate linear regression were conducted to determine the relationship between student characteristics and the PCOA score. RESULTS: The mean PCOA scaled score for the third-year pharmacy students was 349.6 ± 46.20 while the mean Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) percentile was 62.7 ± 14.5. Most students (67%) self-identified as Black and the majority (54.9%) were female. The PCOA scores were correlated with the PCAT percentile (P < .001) and the cumulative grade point average (GPA) through the fall semester of the third professional year (P < .001). After adjusting for other factors, the cumulative GPA through the fall semester of the third professional year (P < .001) and PCAT percentiles (P < .001) remained predictive of students PCOA scores. CONCLUSIONS: The cumulative GPA through the third-year fall semester and PCAT percentiles are important factors in helping to predict PCOA scores among third year pharmacy students at a HBCU.

Analysis of trend of low vision of students in the middle and high school entrance examination in Beijing from 2009 to 2018 / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To investigate the status and trend of low vision of junior and senior high school students in Beijing from 2009 to 2018, and to provide evidence for myopia prevention.@*Methods@#Data came from the results of physical examination of eyesight in 2009-2018 in Beijing, which were cdlected among juncor and senior high school students in March every year. Detection rate of low vision of students and the difference across different districts and counties were analyzed.@*Results@#From 2009 to 2018, the rate of low vision of high school and college entrance examination students in Beijing was on the rise, with the average rate of low vision of 86.07% and 76.36% respectively. Similar trend was found in the rate of high myopia(16.39% and 18.64%,respectively), while that of light and medium myopia tends to be stable. The highest rate of low vision among junior middle school students was in Xicheng (84.75%) District and Chaoyang District (84.03%), and for high middle school students,the highest rate of myopia was found in Fengtai District (91.17%) and Dongcheng District (89.92%).@*Conclusion@#In Beijing, the detection rate of low vision of middle school and college entrance examination students increased steadily, especially the high myopia. The health education of eyesight protection is of great significance to students. It is necessary to strengthen the extensive intervention of eyesight protection in middle and college entrance examination students.

Admission cardiotocography versus intermittent auscultation of the fetal heart in low-risk pregnancy during evaluation for possible labour admission - a multicentre randomised trial: the ADCAR trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of admission cardiotocography (ACTG) versus intermittent auscultation (IA) of the fetal heart (FH) in low-risk pregnancy during assessment for possible labour on caesarean section rates. DESIGN: A parallel multicentre randomised trial. SETTING: Three maternity units in the Republic of Ireland. POPULATION: Healthy, low-risk pregnant women, at term and ≥ 18 years old, who provided written informed consent. METHODS: Women were randomised to receive IA of the FH or 20 minutes ACTG on admission for possible labour onset, using remote telephone randomisation. Both groups received IA during labour, with conversion to continuous CTG as clinically indicated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Caesarean section (primary outcome), obstetric interventions (e.g. continuous CTG during labour, fetal blood sampling, augmentation of labour) and neonatal morbidity (e.g. metabolic acidosis, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, neonatal death). RESULTS: Based on 3034 women (1513 and 1521 randomised to IA and ACTG, respectively), there was no statistical difference between the groups in caesarean section [130 (8.6%) and 105 (6.9%) for IA and ACTG groups, respectively; relative risk (RR) 1.24; 95% CI 0.97-1.58], or in any other outcome except for use of continuous CTG during labour, which was lower in the IA group (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86-0.93). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates no differences in obstetric or neonatal outcomes between IA and ACTG for women with possible labour onset, other than an increased risk for continuous CTG in women receiving ACTG. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: No differences in outcomes between intermittent auscultation and admission cardiotocography for women with possible labour onset.

Quality improvement: A practical nursing program's admission test.

INTRODUCTION: Academic institutions are under pressure to maintain a nearly flawless retention rate, while graduating successful students. The use of standardized admission tests to provide data driven decisions regarding applicant selection is common. The varying reliability and validity of current standardized tests inspired a large Canadian academic institution to use a faculty developed admission test for admission to its practical nursing (PN) program. METHODS: The target population for this project was a purposive, convenience sample of graduated PN students from a large publically funded polytechnic institution in southern Ontario, Canada, who had completed the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) within 2014-2016 (n = 293). Data was obtained retrospectively, and included program entry grade-point average (GPA) and CPNRE result, as well as chemistry, English, biology, and math admission test scores. RESULTS: The predictors of chemistry, English, math admission test scores, and program entry GPA did not have an effect beyond the effects of the model's predictors. In this model, the R2 suggests that 9% of the variance can be explained, and 91% not explained. In consideration of all independent variables, findings indicate that mean biology admission test scores (M =74.96) are a predictor of student CPNRE success. Additionally, students who pass the CPNRE have a higher program GPA. CONCLUSIONS: Academic factors including program entry GPA, English, math, biology and chemistry admission scores are a fragment of the characteristics to be considered when determining the predictability of success in PN students. Therefore, it is imperative that program admission processes identify and measure nonacademic program entry criteria, as academic criterion have limited predictability. Furthermore, in isolation, academic admission criteria could be used to identify at-risk-students for appropriate remediation/counselling or as a placement test.

Delphi consensus statement on intrapartum fetal monitoring in low-resource settings.

OBJECTIVE: To determine acceptable and achievable strategies of intrapartum fetal monitoring in busy low-resource settings. METHODS: Three rounds of online Delphi surveys were conducted between January 1 and October 31, 2017. International experts with experience in low-resource settings scored the importance of intrapartum fetal monitoring methods. RESULTS: 71 experts completed all three rounds (28 midwives, 43 obstetricians). Consensus was reached on (1) need for an admission test, (2) handheld Doppler for intrapartum fetal monitoring, (3) intermittent auscultation (IA) every 30 minutes for low-risk pregnancies during the first stage of labor and after every contraction for high-risk pregnancies in the second stage, (4) contraction monitoring hourly for low-risk pregnancies in the first stage, and (5) adjunctive tests. Consensus was not reached on frequency of IA or contraction monitoring for high-risk women in the first stage or low-risk women in the second stage of labor. CONCLUSION: There is a gap between international recommendations and what is physically possible in many labor wards in low-resource settings. Research on how to effectively implement the consensus on fetal assessment at admission and use of handheld Doppler during labor and delivery is crucial to support staff in achieving the best possible care in low-resource settings.

Preliminary Performance of the Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT): Association Between ADAT Scores and Other Variables for Applicants to Residency Programs at a U.S. Dental School.

Historically, dental residency programs have used numerical assessment criteria to evaluate and identify qualified candidates for admission. Recent elimination of such assessment tools has undermined many programs' holistic evaluation process. The Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT) was developed and recently piloted in hopes of addressing this issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preliminary performance and validity of the ADAT by exploring the association between ADAT scores and other variables for a sample of applicants to residency programs. The WebAdMIT admissions database was used to identify the test scores and educational and demographic information of 92 individuals who completed the pilot ADAT and were seeking a 2017 postgraduate specialty position at Indiana University School of Dentistry. The results showed that the ADAT had strong to weak correlations with certain applicant variables (p<0.05). No significant differences were found for age, race, school location, or country of origin. However, males performed better than females (p<0.05), and non-Hispanics performed better than Hispanics (p<0.01). ADAT component scores were also higher for individuals with a history of research activity (p<0.05). This study found that significant associations existed between the ADAT and indices typically associated with competitive applicants. These findings suggest that the ADAT may serve as a useful numerical assessment instrument, with the potential to identify high-performing candidates. Furthermore, the ADAT seemed to be a plausible option for programs seeking to incorporate a quantitative assessment instrument as part of a holistic candidate selection process.

Validación de un modelo de cuatro estrategias de resolución de ítems de razonamiento en una prueba estandarizada de selección / Validation of a Four-Strategies Model for Solving Reasoning Items in a Standardized Selection Test

Resumen La premisa de este estudio consiste en que un modelo cognitivo permite a las personas mejorar el desempeño en la resolución de preguntas de una prueba estandarizada donde el uso de estrategias tiene un papel crucial. El propósito de la investigación fue validar un modelo cognitivo con cuatro estrategias definidas por jueces expertos con base en los procesos de respuesta que subyacen a ítems de la Prueba de Aptitud Académica de la Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR). Se realizaron ocho en trevistas semiestructuradas a estudiantes de la UCR, quienes estaban cursando el primer año en esta institución y se aplicaron las técnicas de reporte verbal para obtener evidencias de los procesos de respuesta de los ítems. Se analizaron los reportes para comprobar la correspondencia entre el marco de las estrategias definidas previamente por jueces expertos y las respuestas dadas por los participan tes. Los resultados indicaron que los participantes siguieron las estrategias propuestas para la solu ción de las situaciones planteadas por los jueces; por tanto, los ítems son indicadores de los procesos subyacentes a estas estrategias. Estos hallazgos abren la posibilidad de implementar investigaciones con atributos presentes en cada estrategia propuesta de este estudio, que posibiliten predecir las pun tuaciones de la prueba en el rendimiento académico en la UCR

Abstract The premise of this study is that a cognitive model can increase students' performance for solving items on a stan dardized test, where strategies play a crucial role. The purpose of the study is to validate a cognitive model with four strategies defined by expert judges based on the response processes that underlie the items of the University of Costa Rica (UCR) Academic Aptitude Test. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with first-year students at UCR and the techniques of verbal reporting were applied to gather evidence of the items' response processes. The reports were analyzed to verify the correspondence between the framework of the strategies pre viously defined by expert judges and the answers given by the participants. In light of the results, it was concluded that the participants followed the proposed strategies for solving the situations posed, and, therefore, the items are indicators of the processes underlying these strategies. The results open the possibility of implementing research with attributes present in each strategy proposed in this study, which will allow predicting test scores in academic performance at the UCR.