How to Conduct a Needs Assessment

Abstract

One way to improve the accessibility and usefulness of drug literature is to manage document-based information with a digital image management system. However, before such a system is procured, it is vital that the pharmaceutical firm's needs be assessed with care. This presentation first defines a context within which technology applications such as digital imaging should be considered. Next, the usual steps in application development are described, noting that the first key step is needs assessment. The underlying goals of needs assessment are discussed and critical issues to be considered during a needs assessment are enumerated. Finally, a detailed approach to conducting a needs assessment that has been used successfully in pharmaceutical firms is presented. Each step in the process is described, typical findings are discussed, and some pitfalls are highlighted.