Model Profiles

Model profiles are standardized descriptions of simulation models developed to aid comparison of models and their results. Each CISNET consortium member has developed a profile describing their modeling effort. PDF versions of these profiles are available below^*. For each cancer site, a Joint Profile is provided which includes profiles for all models for that site. Individual profiles for each model are also provided and may be more current than the joint profile document.

Modeling is a complex endeavor, and often it is very difficult to reconcile results from different models. In many cases, journals do not allow enough space to completely describe model structure and assumptions. To aid in this process of model description and comparison, the Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) consortium has supported the development of the Model Profiler.

The Model Profiler is an Internet-based application that supports the entering of documentation into that conceptual framework. Each CISNET team is given a private model profile Web site on which to maintain their model profile information and control what parts of their profile are shared with the rest of the consortium. Since the core documentation format is the same for each group, the published profile information is readily comparable among models. The model profiling system exists to support a framework in which modelers describe their models, and interested readers read about, compare, and contrast simulation models. The CISNET Model Profiler provides a platform for managing both the content and the form of complex model documentation.

A set of six Overview Documents with fixed templates provide a general description of the model. At a finer level of description, a set of Detail Documents is also provided. Users can create new document types if these do not fit their needs; however, the process of consolidation of new document types is ongoing.

Available Model Profiles

Links to the profiles* are provided below in PDF format.

^* Profiles will be posted and updated as they become available.

Also see Input Parameter Generator Interfaces.