The author reviews the historical use of effort measure in cost allocation studies, examines criticism of the effort technique, and reports on several recent attempts by academic health centers to achieve a more valid measure of faculty activities. (Editor)

This paper presents a historical review of applications of effort-reporting in medical education, comments on key methodological issues and describes a revised methodology of a 2-step estimating process that is flexible enough to accommodate a multidisciplinary medical education. (Editor/PG)

Program cost allocation as a routine accounting procedure at all medical schools would provide valuable information for planning. (Editor)

United Hospital in North Dakota, a primary teaching hospital associated with the University of North Dakota, has developed a program to provide on-site continuing medical education to outlying community hospitals and family medicine staff. The development, implementation and cost of the program are discussed. (JMD)