ABSTRACT
In the wake of the government policy changes, it is becoming imperative for all health professionals to re-define the ways they work; otherwise they risk being left behind in the new National Health Service. Needs assesment provides a framework for all health workers to redefine their position within healthcare delivery. This chapter looks at some useful approaches to profiling and health needs assessment. A good health needs analysis demonstrates that the organisation is thinking through the viability of their business. It forms an essential part of the business planning process, which in itself is crucial to managing risk. Basically, a needs assessment outlines what needs to be addressed to improve the health of a population. Broad communication should occur across the whole primary healthcare team, as individual groups of staff may have a lot to contribute in the area of needs assessment, particularly community nurses, who have to conduct these profiles as part of their post-basic training.
