Needs Assessments

Page 1 of 1 PHE4055 Public Health Planning and Evaluation

© 2013 South University

Community Health Needs Major Approaches When assessing the health needs of a community, there are five major approaches or models that can be used. Each model has its own strengths and limitations. Epidemiological Model The epidemiological model is used for measuring health problems using epidemiological methods and statistics.

Data sources include registries, national data sets, and national surveys from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Public Health Model The public health model focuses on measuring health problems for the purpose of prioritizing the health problems that have been identified by the community. Data sources include vital statistics and data collected by state and

local health departments. Social Model The social model emphasizes measuring the determinants of health, such as the social and economic status of individuals within a community. Data sources include individual and national surveys. Asset Model Rather than focusing on the limitations, deficits, and needs within a community, the asset model concentrates on the strengths, assets, and resources that are available to a community. Data sources include maps of the

community and information from focus group interviews. Rapid-Response Model The rapid-response model for needs assessment is used when expediency is the most important consideration for an assessment. This model employs instruments from a number of different models, including surveys, focus groups, and mapping.