Assessment Process Map

Core Process Steps

Establishing the Assessment Infrastructure (Step 1)

Obtain leadership support

Build the staff team

Identify and obtain resources

Determine level of community involvement

Consider an assessment advisory committee

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Defining the Purpose and Scope (Step 2)

Identify the users and audience

Define the purpose

Specify the target population

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Collecting and Analyzing Data (Step 3)

Determine who will collect and analyze data

Collect secondary data

Collect primary data - introduction

Collect primary data - methods

Analyze data

Develop a data management process

Consider examining community assets

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Selecting Priorities (Step 4)

Review assessment data

Establish criteria for evaluating data

Set priorities with a consensus process

Validate prioritized needs

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Documenting and Communicating Results (Step 5)

Organize information for presentation

Prepare a written report

Publicize assessment findings

Consider promoting community dialogue

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Planning for Action and Monitoring Progress (Step 6)

Conduct research to inform goals and actions

Define goals, objectives, and strategies

Create and implement the action plan

Develop evaluation plan and monitor progress

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Additional Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Resource Links

Case Examples

Data Sources (updated 9/10)

Glossary

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Welcome to ACHI's Community Health Assessment Toolkit

The ACHI Community Health Assessment Toolkit is a guide for planning, leading and using community health needs assessments to better understand -- and ultimately improve -- the health of communities. It presents a suggested assessment framework from beginning to end in six steps, and provides practical guidance drawn from experienced professionals and a variety of proven tools.

• Access and log-in instructions are in the blue Using the Toolkit section to the right.
  
  
• (New) Executive Briefing on Community Health Needs Assessment. Trustee, October 2011. 
  
  
• ACHI's Community Health Assessment Work Group is helping to create expanded guidance, worksheets and tools to better assist you with the practical apsects of community assessment. Watch for updates by the end of 2011.
  
  
• PPACA Sec. 9007's community health needs assessment provisions for tax-exempt hospitals.
  
  
• Watch a 3-minute video introduction to the Toolkt or download a slide deck and a fact sheet about the Toolkit's features and benefits.
  
  
• Looking for peers' insight or advice? Join ACHI's Community Health Assessment group on LinkedIn, or write to the ACHI Members List Serv (Member log-in required).
  
  
• Why conduct a health assessment? For non-profit hospitals, the PPACA legislation requires assessments and implementation strategies. Beyond that, there are many benefits to be gained; read An Excellent Investment for three good reasons.

The ACHI Community Health Assessment Toolkit includes:

• Detailed guidance on six core steps of a suggested assessment framework, including but not limited to data collection
• Step summaries containing task checklists, budget and timeline guides, and the skills useful for conducting an assessment
• Case examples with a quick reference table to help you find the most appropriate one to your situation
• Resource links to additional guides, tools and templates at every step
• Answers to frequently asked questions and access to a peer discussion forum

Community health needs assessment is both the activity and product of identifying and prioritizing a community's health needs, accomplished through the collection and analysis of data, including input from community stakeholders. It can be used to inform the development of strategies and plans to address prioritized needs, with the goal of contributing to improvements in the community's health.

Community health needs assessment methods and characteristics can vary according to the size and nature of the community, the lead organization or partners and their goals, the resources available and other local factors.

Write to assesstoolkit@aha.org with general questions, suggestions or feedback about the Toolkit.

Acknowledgements

The Association for Community Health Improvement is grateful for the perspectives, tools, and experiences provided by the 2006-2007 Community Health Assessment Work Group, the 2010-2011 Community Health Assessment Work Group, and for funding from the American Hospital Association.