GEN52 Research the needs of the local population for provision of health care services

Overview

This standard is about carrying out formal research to identify the range and volume of healthcare services required by local populations. An accurate assessment of the local population’s needs is an essential prerequisite for developing a local health care strategy and commissioning appropriate services. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 1

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. methodologies that are capable of providing an accurate and comprehensive assessment of the local population’s needs for health care services
2. how to assess the impact health care has on the target population’s health and psychological condition
3. how to assess the impact health care has on the target population’s social functioning and life context
4. how to assess the extent to which existing services meet the target population’s current and likely future needs
5. how to assess gaps in the range and capacity of services to meet needs
6. how to analyse information you have collected
7. how to consult openly with the range of key stakeholders
8. how to write complex material clearly and concisely
9. how to explain complex material to improve people’s understanding, both orally and in writing
10. how to gain consensus amongst a diverse group of stakeholders
11. the principle of confidentiality: what information may be given to whom
12. the importance of gathering full and accurate information and how to do so
13. the rights of individuals to equal access to health care services
14. legal requirements relating to the handling of information
15. the range of key stakeholders in the local area
16. the range of different target populations, their different characteristics and needs
17. the range of health care services available in your area of practice
18. national health care policies and priorities
19. the importance of basing recommendations on a full and comprehensive assessment, and how to do so
20. the importance of stating any gaps in information or assumptions made

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. identify and involve all key stakeholders in the assessment
2. ensure the methodology you use is capable of providing an accurate and comprehensive assessment of needs
3. agree with key stakeholders the target population to be covered
4. identify significant demographic trends within the target population
5. gather full and accurate information about the target population’s current and likely future requirements
6. ensure your methods of gathering and handling information comply with ethical, legal and organisational requirements and the need for confidentiality
7. identify existing health care services, the extent to which they meet the target population’s current and likely future needs, and any gaps in provision
8. consult openly with key stakeholders on the results of your analysis and incorporate their views appropriately in your recommendations
9. base your recommendations on a full and comprehensive assessment of the needs of the local population for health care services
10. clearly state any gaps in the information you have gathered and any assumptions you have made
11. ensure your recommendations specify the range and volume of health care services required by the population
12. ensure your recommendations take account of:
    1. national health care policies and priorities
    2. the diversity of the local population and the rights of individuals to equal access to health care services
13. ensure your recommendations are consistent with recognised good practice in commissioning and delivering health care services
14. present your recommendations clearly, concisely and in a format which helps commissioners agree priorities and the strategies required to meet them
15. provide further information and interpretation to help commissioners understand the implications of your recommendations, where required.

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: Core 4 Service Improvement This standard has replaced DANOS CA1.