Determining the core competencies of the ideal health sciences communicator.

The Education Committee of HeSCA conducted a Delphi study to generate agreement among a panel of experts regarding the core competencies of an ideal health sciences communicator. Seventy-five present and future competencies were identified and classified in terms of relative importance. Competencies concerning general communications techniques were determined to be most important, followed by abilities specifically related to the health sciences communications field. Management competencies were third in order of importance, and competencies that dealt with having a knowledge of the health sciences ranked fourth. The information reported helps to describe the knowledge and skill basis of the profession, as perceived by leaders in the field. The results can serve as guidelines for planning continuing education programs and professional development activities for health sciences communicators.