Framework and Tools

Framework and Tools

Introduction

Start Here with the Needs Assessment Process

Needs assessment is a systematic process to acquire an accurate picture of the strengths and weaknesses of a state or jurisdiction's public health system, and essential in identifying the most appropriate programs and policies to promote the health of women, children, adolescents and their families.  MCH assessments are to be population-based and community-focused and serve as a fundamental element of any program planning activity.1

The needs assessment process includes the collection and examination of information about the state or jurisdiction's capacity and infrastructure, needs, and desired outcomes for the MCH population, and legislative mandates. This information is used to determine priority goals, develop a plan of action, and allocate funds and resources. The needs assessment is a collaborative process that should include the HRSA/MCHB, the full Department of Health, families, practitioners, the community, and other agencies and organizations within each state or jurisdiction that have an interest in the wellbeing of the MCH population.

Title V of the Social Security Act requires states to conduct a statewide Needs Assessment every five years with the primary goal of improving MCH outcomes and strengthening state, local and community partnerships.

This page presents a practical framework that illustrates the continuity of the Needs Assessment process and its relationship to the planning and monitoring functions of Title V and the population that is serves. It also pulls together all the tools presented throughout the website.

Putting all these steps into practice is a difficult balancing act. The following checklist, cited from AMCHP's Guide for Senior Managers, can provide a practical framework of activities to help you accomplish all steps along the way:
  1. Study the guidance and make a list of tasks to be completed.
  2. Put one person in charge of the needs assessment.
  3. Make a master plan:
    • Discuss with MCHB project officer; obtain technical assistance if needed.
    • Gather existing documents (e.g., last needs assessment, data updates, studies, reports, program evaluations, SLAITS data, etc.).
    • Assign every task to someone to complete by deadline.
  4. Develop a calendar of key assignments and due dates. Build adequate time into the needs assessment calendar for an advisory group to review the resulting data, trends and other information.
  5. Hold a stakeholders meeting for all interested parties (staff, family advisory, and coordinating programs both within and outside your agency) to review master plan; periodic meetings thereafter for steering needs assessment activities.
  6. Conduct an environmental scan early in the process to determine what data, program evaluations and other information you have readily available.
  7. Use learning materials and resources from this toolkit to help guide your efforts.
  8. Obtain new data and analyses.
  9. Use consultants as needed.
  10. Read draft report from front to back; edit.
  11. Share draft with stakeholders; conduct process to develop list of needs and priorities based on needs assessment findings.
  12. Share final needs assessment report, including listing of needs and priorities, widely - with state agency leadership, "sister" agencies, advocacy groups, legislature, governor's office, etc.
  13. Celebrate a job well done!

Read Chapter 9, The ABCs: State and Federal Grants, Budgets and Accountability, pp. 98 - 110 for detailed guidance on needs assessment.

Conceptual Framework

This Nine-Step Process is Detailed in the Links to the Left
Navigator Conceptual Model

Implementation Tools

The Right Tools at the Right Time

These resources help move you from knowledge to practice with your needs assessment work. A list of all tools are presented below; specific tools are also repeated on the corresponding Needs Assessment Step page. You can also access a list of tools by step on this summary page.