Needs Assessment
Examples
Walker J, Bieber E, Richards F, et al. Appendix 2: physician reporting and digital storage system needs assessment - endoscopy suite. In: Walker J, Bieber E, Richards F, editors. Implementing an electronic health record system. London: Springer; 2005. p. 183-91.
Description
A needs assessment allows an analyst to identify areas where a process does not match its needs. It allows an individual or group to prioritize needs on a cost and benefit basis by examining what would occur if the gap were closed versus ignored. In this way the assessment allows an analyst to identify which needs should be reduced or eliminated, making the needs assessment a useful decisionmaking tool.
Uses
When setting or prioritizing goals.
When allocating resources.
When creating a plan.
How do I use this tool?
1. SELECT LEADERSHIP AND A TEAM.
2. AGREE ON SCOPE AND USE of needs assessment. Identify key stakeholders. Determine what questions you need answered.
3. REVIEW DATA CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. Construct a plan for data collection.
4. IDENTIFY REQUIRED OR WHAT-SHOULD-BE RESULTS.
5. IDENTIFY UNDERLYING CAUSES for current results (SWOT analysis recommended).
6. FURTHER CLARIFY RESULTS at multiple levels.
7. CONSIDER CURRENT SOLUTIONS by investigating new possibilites or alternative solutions to existing problems.
8. PRIORITIZE AND SELECT NEEDS. This may include closing the gap or furthering monitoring of the issue.
9. WRITE A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT of the project and what it uncovered. Delineate the next steps.
Expertise Required
Users of this tool usually have some training or experience in its use.
Advantages
Provides necessary information for closing gaps and solving problems.
Offers effective means of determining remedies to current problems.
Disadvantages
Is time consuming.
Where can I go to learn more?
Leigh D. Needs assessments: a step-by-step approach. In: Roberts A, Yeager K, editors. Evidence-based practice manual: research and outcome measures in health and human services. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; 2004. p. 622-7.
Adams J, Culp L. Needs assessment. In: Walker J, Bieber E, Richards F, editors. Implementing an electronic health record system. London: Springer; 2005. p. 9-14.