Abstract
A health needs assessment (HNA) is one of several approaches that can be used to improve health, maximise local strengths, and reduce health inequalities in your community (making it an example of both place-based action and Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD). An HNA is a systematic method for identifying the unmet health needs of a population. It helps inform commissioning, service planning, and policy development to improve health.
The hardest part of developing an HNA can be working together, as the more people/partners you involve, the more complicated and challenging it is. It’s true that collaborating can take a longer time, but this will give the HNA a stronger impact. So, it’s crucial to make sure no communities are left behind. We can achieve this only if there are proper democratic structures and knowledge equity for deciding on the priorities; this will leave time to properly and meaningfully develop public health projects, rather than hastily catching up when we encounter crisis situations.
The hardest part of developing an HNA can be working together, as the more people/partners you involve, the more complicated and challenging it is. It’s true that collaborating can take a longer time, but this will give the HNA a stronger impact. So, it’s crucial to make sure no communities are left behind. We can achieve this only if there are proper democratic structures and knowledge equity for deciding on the priorities; this will leave time to properly and meaningfully develop public health projects, rather than hastily catching up when we encounter crisis situations.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Vulnerability & Policing Futures: Research Centre |
| Media of output | Online |
| Publication status | Published - 11 Apr 2025 |
