The process and methods for assessing population health status were applied by a rehabilitation hospital in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the assessment was to 1) understand current health status as well as issues of importance to persons with disabilities and their direct care providers and 2) determine -- from multiple perspectives -- if additional services for persons with disabilities were necessary in the community. The population assessment included community discussion groups, key informant interviews and a web-based survey for persons with disabilities, and persons who care for them. Issues identified from this assessment from all methods will be described. Application of the assessment by a rehabilitation hospital to both service planning and outreach activities will be described. Components of an assessment methodology for a population of persons with disabilities will be suggested for future application, including unique considerations for conducting a web based survey.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe the process and methods for a community assessment of persons with disabilities and persons who care for them 2. Describe the needs, issues, and advice to improve services for people with disabilities and their caretakers 3. Discuss ways of applying community assessment results to improve services for people with disabilities and their caretakers
Keywords: Community Health Assessment, Community Response
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.