1. Fundamentals of a Needs Assessment (NA)  Needs Assessment is the process of identifying and measuring areas for improvement in a target audience, and determining the methods to achieve improvement.  A Needs Assessment is different than a list of needs. A Needs Assessment draws linkages from discovery of a problem to proposed resolution. By: Jacob Coverstone Jcoverstone@aao.org

2. Fundamentals of a Needs Assessment (NA)  This PowerPoint seeks to answer the question “What are the key components found a good Needs Assessment document?” By: Jacob Coverstone Jcoverstone@aao.org

3. SECTIONS AND CATEGORIES Title What is the subject of this NA? Executive Summary What do intend to change, and what method will you use to achieve your goal? Gap Summary What does did your gap analysis reveal? Write in layman's terms. Gap Analysis Clearly articulate the relevant gap(s) for this intervention. What components make up a ‘Needs Assessment’?

4. A DETAILED LOOK AT GAP ANALYSIS Supporting your statements Methods How did you determine the gap? Gap Articulate the gap using normative data. Provide explicate figures when possible. Ensure that the gap listed supports the thesis of your Executive Summary. Gap Analysis Clearly articulate the relevant gap(s) for this intervention. Footnotes Use footnotes to expand upon general statements. Attach copies the supporting material with the final NA.

5. SECTIONS AND CATEGORIES, CONT. Barriers What factors have contributed to the formation of the gap? Solutions What do you plan to do about the barriers that you have uncovered? Structure of the intervention The summary explains what you are doing about the gaps and barriers that you have identified. Details Expand upon the summary by explaining why you believe this is the best course of action. What components make up a ‘Needs Assessment’?

6. Fundamentals of a Needs Assessment (NA)  Key points:  A Needs Assessment draws linkages.  Explain: What is wrong (the gap) What you intend to do about it (the intervention) What you have to work with (the resources) Why you think it will work (the research) By: Jacob Coverstone Jcoverstone@aao.org