Virtual Interviewing in the Era of COVID-19: A Preliminary Analysis of Otolaryngology Residency Program Costs

OBJECTIVE: A preliminary comparison of the program experience and costs associated with the virtual interview season during the 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic against the traditional in-person interview process during the 2019-2020 interview season. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Our institutional program launched an online survey via REDCap to otolaryngology programs across the country. METHODS: A 33-item survey was sent to otolaryngology residency program directors regarding their experience and costs associated with virtual interviews during the 2020-2021 cycle and in-person interviews during the previous 2019-2020 cycle. Purchasing cost and opportunity cost were calculated for each program. RESULTS: Twenty-two programs sent back completed survey responses. Program responses were equally represented among all regions of the United States. In the 2020-2021 interview season, programs received more applications (mean, 400 vs 336 the year prior, P < .001) for a similar number of residency spots per program (3.04 in 2020-2021 vs 3.0 2019-2020, P = .715). The virtual interview led to more half-day interviews, a shorter duration of each interview, and fewer interviews completed per interview date. Purchasing cost decreased by $1940.46 (73%), and person-hours dedicated to the interview process decreased by 52.36 with the virtual interview. Total savings per program with virtual interviews were an estimated $6941.66. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual interviews in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a shift in application and interview patterns and was associated with a reduction in costs for programs when compared with the in-person interview format.