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Abstract

Potential health education services for HMO subscribers are numerous and varied, ranging across the entire wellness to sickness spectrum. Because of cost consciousness and limited educational resources, careful needs assessment and selection of priorities are vital to the success of HMO health education efforts. The results of utilizing six needs assessment methodologies are presented in this case study. Consumer and provider involvement in the needs assessment process revealed five top priority health problems or opportunities for health education: membership education needs; overweight/obesity; self-care needs; hypertension; and smoking. These recommendations did not include perinatal and pediatric health education services as top priority needs, an outcome at variance with the results of the other needs assessment methodologies. This variance emphasizes the importance of employing multiple techniques in the needs assessment process. Problems in implementing various needs assessment methodologies are discussed as well as implications for health education practice.

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Health Education Needs Assessment in an HMO: A Case Study

Abstract

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