A needs assessment - Thesis Example

A needs assessment for training physiotherapists in fieldwork supervision Needs assessment is a method, to identify the gaps in a system in order to determine the best interventions to improve the same. It is an inventive means to gather and assess the existing information in a particular field to obtain a clear picture and to take measures to meet future needs. It can be defined as an innovative step to assess the needs, preferences, objectives, priorities and work place culture. Robert H. Rouda & Mitchell E.

Kusy defines needs assessment as "A Needs Assessment is a systematic exploration of the way things are and the way they should be." (Rouda& Kusy, 1995) a systematic exploration of a present situation and to find out future needs in a specific field. So, the systematic exploration leads to further findings and it helps to restructure the present system to an effective one. Christopher K. Richardson defines needs assessment as: "attempt to gather, organize, and interpret information on the community's needs and interests.

" (Richardson, 2006) and it is closely related to the needs and interests of the community. It is a tool to assess the difference between present situation and future needs. Ben J Smith et al defines needs assessment as: "A systematic procedure for determining the nature and extent of health needs in a population" (Smith et al, 2006) and the causes that contribute to these needs, available resources to meet these needs. Moreover, it is a way of collecting information to identify the problem, analyzing it and unearthing an effective solution.

Yi-Fang Lee et al define needs assessment as: "Needs assessment (NA) is generally based on the discrepancy between two conditions-the desired and present states."(Lee et al, 2007) needs assessment is the difference between two conditions: desired and present. So, needs assessment is an evaluation of present condition and a method to find out effective course of action in future which aims development. Works cited Lee et al. (2007). Problems in needs assessment data: Discrepancy analysis.

Evaluation and Program Planning, 30(3), 258-266. Doi:10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2007.05.005Rouda, R.H., & Kusy, M.E. (1995). Needs Assessment, the first step. Tappi Journal.Richardson, C. K. (2006). Needs Assessment for Undocumented Individuals. DLA Ejournal, 52(2).Smith et al. (2006). WHO Health Promotion Glossary: new terms. Health Promotion International Advance Access, doi:10.1093/heapro/dal033