Exploration of Data Sources and Development of the Strategic Needs Assessment

Description

There is not currently a health needs assessment for the health board and wider partners that describes the whole population, in terms of how our whole population live and the wider influences on health and wellbeing. This Strategic Needs Assessment will need demonstrate how public health and prevention will impact overtime for the people of Gwent. A needs analysis is essential because it helps to identify the current state of a situation or problem and the desired state. There is a need for an understanding of the various national data sources and how they can come together in online format to be used across the health board and local authorities to shape the conversations and lead to decision making. We will need to build in an element of future prediction to support planning. By understanding the current state and the desired state, it helps to identify the gap between them and determine the steps needed to close the gap. This piece of work will: 1. Support in identify the goals and objectives of the HB, using a firm evidence base 2. Determine the resources required to achieve those goals and objectives 3. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current situation 4. Identify potential obstacles or barriers to achieving the desired state 5. Prioritise needs based on their urgency and importance 6. Develop an action plan to address the identified needs and close the gap between the current state and the desired state. The Strategic Needs Assessment will present valuable data and insights in an action-orientated format, leading to recommendations that inform public health policies and interventions, and help to ensure that healthcare resources are used effectively. Overall, these interactive needs analysis will support to ensure that resources are used effectively and efficiently to address the most critical needs and achieve the desired outcomes, supporting the Marmot principles.