Manage knowledge and assess needs

Manage knowledge and undertake robust and regular needs assessments that establish a full understanding of current and future local health needs and requirements.

This competency covers skills such as database management, information gathering and analysis, process mapping, auditing and risk assessment. The requirement for local health and care communities to develop a joint strategic needs assessment is the primary focus of this competency.

Demand forecasting podcast (CSIP)
This podcast looks at using data to commission for future well-being and population change, the risks of being swamped by information and the need for partnership to make the most of social care's commissioning and market research experience.

Configuring future services Developing a structured approach to delivering better outcomes for older people (Institute of Primary Care 2007)
This study argues that rethinking future provision needs structured analysis of how current service volume, nature and type achieves desired outcomes for a service user.

It sets out a process model for configuring future services for older people.

The role of need analysis in developing a commissioning strategy(Commissioning eBook 2006)
This paper proposes a methodology for needs analysis using four categories of data - demographic, prevalence and incidence, risk factor and service user - to understand local population needs.

Projecting Older People Population Information (POPPI) (CSIP care services efficiency delivery team)
This programme helps explore the possible impact that demography and certain conditions may have on populations aged 65 and over. Anyone with an NHS or government email address can register to access the database.

Predicting who will need costly care (King's Fund 2007)
This study looks at developing tools to target preventive interventions and identify people with emerging risk. It explores predictive risk modelling ethical and practical considerations and offers five possible models.

Health needs assessment: A practical guide (National Institute for Clinical and Health Excellence 2005)
This guide sets out key steps to undertake health needs assessments (HNA) targeting populations most in need of improved services, including skills and resources required. Case studies explore HNAs for different types of population.

Fair commissioning - a good practice checklist (CSIP 2004)
This checklist helps commissioners across health and care assess their current arrangements, using a series of questions based around 'fairness' to people who use services, tax payers and providers.