Biomedical communications centers--a profile/evaluation instrument study of underlying standards

The "ABCD Profile/Evaluation Instrument" offers directors of individual biomedical communications centers a way to measure their own progress towards meeting standards of excellence. It provides guidelines for review of biomedical communications centers in a model similar to the clinical and basic medical science departments' review. Based on the results of this study, many of the directors seemed to be looking for more formal structure of biomedical communications centers involvement. Use of the Profile/Evaluation Instrument helps address this need and allows discussion in areas such as the department's existence and function in relation to its host institution. In March of 1985, the ABCD used the Profile/Evaluation Instrument standards as parameters of responsibility and service provided by biomedical communications units in its analysis and response to the AAMC GPEP report (Allan and Bradford 1985). The instrument also triggers discussion of new areas of review needed within departments. The process of matching biomedical communications job requirements and assessment training criteria will be explored in the future expansion of the personnel section of the instrument. These and other areas are crucial to the survival and well-being of biomedical communications centers. The "ABCD Profile/Evaluation Instrument" establishes a concrete reference for external review by outside agencies and internal review by administration or the department directors themselves. It offers a continuing body of information that provides the basis for future planning in the field of biomedical communications.