A method for determining patients' perceptions of their health needs

Abstract

Success or failure in establishing a meaningful relationship between physician and patient depends to a large extent on how fully the patient communicates, and the physician understands, his/her health needs. Return visits, compliance with the physician's prescribed regimen, and the effectiveness of the treatment and rehabilitation are also closely related to the disclosure and assessment of the patient's health needs. A model of how health needs are determined is presented. Various behavioral outcomes which follow the identification of a health problem and assessment of health needs by a patient are discussed. A Health Needs Assessment Questionnaire is presented in English and Spanish to be used and tested as an aid to the family physician in assessing patient's health needs at the first encounter.