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Needs assessments can help inform programming planning and evaluation by identifying service users’ most important needs and strategies that are both effective and ineffective at meeting those needs. This article describes a rapid needs assessment of a hospice wellness centre, defined as the hospice programming that includes physical and mental wellness, arts and crafts, legacy work, education, socialization, support groups and workshops and complementary therapies.
This paper describes the design, implementation, and findings of a mixed-method, rapid needs assessment created for a nonprofit, community-based hospice wellness centre. The rapid needs assessment had three aims: (1) determine awareness and access to programming and services; (2) support and challenge existing programming and service options; and (3) inform future program and service development.
The rapid needs assessment was conducted at the Hospice of Windsor-Essex. The wellness centre of the hospice offered several different programs including therapeutic groups (e.g., diagnosis integration and management, meditation, and life changes), diversional programs (e.g., leisure activities, such as arts and crafts), complimentary therapies (e.g., Therapeutic Touch and Reiki), an on-site library and educational sessions and community events.
A multi-pronged approach was used to collect data and included:
- Interviews with organizational decision-makers
- A 26-question paper based survey mailed to 1000 individuals who had previously accessed services
- Two focus groups, with a total of 19 individuals, representing 15 different programs
Overall, the assessment indicated that the wellness centre plays a valuable role in supporting the quality of life of those who access it. It revealed differences in the interest and involvement of clients and their care providers, particularly with respect to legacy workshops, education, and socialization activities. Several solutions were identified such rebranding and improving social messaging to reduce the stigma surrounding hospice wellness programs, improving scheduling options and transportation availability, and increasing awareness through broader promotion efforts.
The authors concluded that the rapid needs assessment was low cost, easy to administer and provided valuable information to help inform programming decisions.
Source: Bennett, M. R., Charron, C., & Valcke, P. (2023). Stretching a Penny: Completing a Rapid Needs Assessment for a Nonprofit Community-Based Hospice Wellness Center in Ontario, Canada. Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life & Palliative Care, 1-23.
