title: Needs assessments: an array of possibilities.
abstract: The first step in planning any professional development activity is to assess the learning needs of the target group or individual to determine the structure of the program in terms of objectives, content, and activities. Learning needs can be individual, organizational, or societal and must be clearly defined during the planning process. This article provides an overview of the different types of needs assessments and discusses the importance of triangulation when interpreting data.
authors.affiliation: Villanova University College of Nursing, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085-1690, USA.
authors.forename: Lynore D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: DeSilets
mesh_terms: D026683:Advisory Committees; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D003697:Delphi Technique; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007858:Learning; D017145:Models, Educational; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D019370:Observation; D010934:Planning Techniques; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires