An inventory of the personal computers for students' use at 143 U.S. and Canadian medical schools

The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) has been developing new tests to be administered using computers. As these tests near readiness for use, logistical issues of test administration have become important. In 1989-1990, in order to plan for the implementation of computer-based testing in NBME examinations of the future, the authors, under the auspices of the NBME, conducted a telephone survey of knowledgeable individuals at the 143 LCME-accredited medical schools in the United States and Canada to gauge the numbers and types of microcomputers and workstations available for students' use at these schools. The findings, based on the responses of all the schools surveyed, are reported.