Objective: To examine the rationale for and uses of state health department surveys that assess the needs of multicultural populations. Background: Despite a philosophical and pragmatic debate over the use of racial and ethnic categories in health statistics and health services research, closing the health gap between whites and minorities remains a national target. To inform program planning that might eliminate health disparities, some state health departments have conducted needs assessments of the state's multicultural populations. Methods: This thesis used a telephone survey to discover which state health departments have conducted needs assessments or similar surveys of multicultural groups. Survey responses were tabulated and summary statistics calculated by Microsoft Excel. Results: Seventeen state health departments reported having conducted a needs assessment of multicultural populations. The lack of uniformity is striking in how and why such surveys are developed and used. The most common factor prompting state health departments to perform needs assessments was a need for data. Of those that had conducted a needs assessment, eight states reported having implemented program changes and one State reported having implemented policy changes based on survey results. Conclusions: Needs assessments play an important role not only in defining areas for improvement but also in establishing baseline data to be used in later program evaluations. Needs assessments can be used as ongoing tools to measure how well program modifications meet the changing needs of continually fluid multicultural populations.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in the session will be able to: 1. Discuss the rationale for and uses of state health department surveys that assess the needs of multicultural populations. 2. List the barriers to conducting such needs assessments. 3. Recognize the role that needs assessments play as baseline measures and evaluation tools
Keywords: Needs Assessment, Health Departments
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Virginia State Department of Health
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Summer internship, 1998.