A Comprehensive, Multitiered, Targeted Community Needs Assessment Model

Abstract

This article describes methodological best practices for a comprehensive, multitiered, targeted community needs assessment and strategies used to disseminate and implement findings. Although the methods could be applied to different populations, this article illustrates a community needs assessment targeting older adults. The assessment methodology included public data; local healthcare facility data; telephone survey of older adults; targeted focus groups of older adults; and surveys of caregivers, service and healthcare providers, religious organizations, and key informants. Dissemination strategies included community forums and conferences, a Web site, and publications. Collaborative projects implemented to address areas identified for improvement are also described.

Developing Targeted Health Service Interventions Using the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model: Two Australian Case Studies

“…As such, the Model prevents the needs assessment process from being ritualistic and self-justifying, by ensuring that the process is focused on facilitating health care reform [8, 38]. Although, undertaking a needs assessment implies that a change is required, there is little evidence that documenting “need” alone actually leads to effective health system change [9]. In spite of a commitment, many health services have limited capacity to reorientate health priorities and funds into new programs without engaging in a range of far-reaching reforms [6].…”

“…All relevant information, concerning health-related needs, and possible solutions to enable the planning and delivery of cost-effective services or new initiatives are collated [8]. This data enables navigation of a pathway forward, while balancing the clinical, ethical, and economic consideration of “need” [9]. Identifying a number of worthy needs can make determining the health priority the most difficult stage of the needs assessment, particularly as limited resources necessitate prioritisation.…”

Promoting Cancer Prevention and Control in Community-Based HIV/AIDS Service Organizations: Are They Ready?

“…Analysis of focus group transcripts identified ASO experiences and perceptions, as well as barriers to and capacities for implementing or expanding cancer-focused programming that spanned cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship. Focus group findings were used to draft the survey, and published community needs assessments were also examined in order to apply best practices in survey design (Finifter et al, 2005; Orel, 2006). The survey was refined through an iterative process of review and changes in which the research team and the CAB members provided input across several meetings from June through September 2010.…”

“…A first goal of the Collaboration was to conduct a community needs assessment among ASOs. Community needs assessments are conducted in order to identify and examine areas of concern and need in defined communities (Finifter, Jensen, Wilson, & Koenig, 2005), and in undertaking this needs assessment the Collaboration aimed to understand the challenges that community-based ASOs might face in the uptake of cancer programming, as well as the resources and assets they already have that would aid in such efforts. A second aim of the study was to identify characteristics of ASOs that are associated with level of need in order to better target future interventions.…”

North–South social work partnership: strengthening the development of social work in Rwanda

“…A needs assessment approach was suitable because it is essential for strategic planning (Placido & Cecil, 2014) and for program development and evaluation (Royse, 2009). A needs assessment methodology has the capacity to target different stakeholders and offer a range of perspectives and resources that are essential for the feasibility of implementing the recommended solutions (Finifter, Jensen, Wilson, & Koenig, 2005). The objectives of the needs assessment in this study were to:…”