title: The nature of needs assessment in community mental health.
abstract: Confusion in defining needs assessment is discussed. A tripartite model of needs assessment is proposed: an identification of a problem; a statement about priorities; and a chosen solution. The parts can be used independently or linked together to plan new or altered services. Various needs assessment techniques are examined for their usefulness in each area. Two examples of needs assessment processes are given.
mesh_terms: D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006302:Health Services Research; D010934:Planning Techniques