Needs Assessment and Program Development
For many communities, recognizing areas where health care services could be improved is the easy part. However, identifying a specific unmet need and developing a solution to the problem can present a greater challenge. The University of Massachusetts Medical School's Commonwealth Medicine division helps community organizations and leaders improve services by examining individual community needs and creating practical program solutions.Because no two communities are alike, we work collaboratively with local partners to develop innovative, distinct solutions. First, we analyze the needs of the community to determine where improvements can be made. While we bring a deep understanding of critical issues in public health care, our approach includes listening and learning about what makes each community unique. Awareness of cultural, diversity and demographic issues is central to our discovery process.
Drawing upon our experience working with community partners, and with the public health and clinical expertise of the Medical School, we then develop workable programs to meet a community's particular need. Our program development process addresses the full range of complex factors related to the planning, organizing, financing and managing of community-based health programs.
Our capabilities in needs assessment and program development are illustrated by such innovative programs within the Center for Health Policy and Research as: