Community Needs

Key Informant Interview Template

Preparation:

· Brainstorm who in your community would be knowledgeable about the population you have chosen for your Community Needs Assessment.

· Contact them

· Identify yourself and your purpose “I am completing a community needs assessment project for a community health course I am taking at Minnesota University Mankato for completion of the RN to BSN Program of Study. My topic is ____________________________________________________.”

· I will include your responses in my written paper which will be shared with my nursing instructor. Inquire whether they would like the questions prior to the interview.

· Acknowledge their work in the area and why you have chosen them to interview.

· Make sure your questions are stated clearly and avoid use of medical jargon that is not familiar to interviewee.

Suggested Interview Questions (information collected should be incorporated into your paper under the appropriate topic areas, not question/answer!).

1. What is the significance of this problem in your community?

2. Is there any available data that they could share regarding the prevalence of this issue in the community? Public reports or anecdotal information.

3. Who is the at risk population? Why? What are factors that increase risks (Epidemiological triangle, host/agent/environment)?

4. Identify strengths/assets within your community that address this issue.

5. Identify barriers/needs in addressing this issue.

6. From your perspective what are possible interventions that could be helpful to address this issue in our community? Is there a basis that establishes this as a best practice?

7. What strategies, funding sources, partners would be necessary to successfully implement this intervention? What may be some challenges?

8. Are there other people or organizations that you think would be helpful for me to contact?

9. Are there any resources you think I should use?

10. Would you like information about my project after it is completed?

Be sure to leave your name and contact information should they have any follow up questions or information for you? You may also provide them with my contact information should they have any questions/concerns.