Chapter 5: Problem Analysis

• Multi-voting technique

  Decide on priorities by agreeing or disagreeing in group discussions and continuing process/rounds until a final list is developed.
• Strategy lists

  Determine if the health needs are of “high or low importance” by placing an emphasis on problems whose solutions have maximum impact, with the possibility of limited resources.
• Nominal group technique

  Rate health problems from 1 to 10 through group discussion.
• Hanlon method

  List those health needs viewed as priorities based on baseline data, numeric values and feasibility factors.
• Prioritization matrix

  Weigh and rank multiple criteria for prioritization with numeric values to determine health needs with high importance.
• •       Discuss the data – Present the qualitative and quantitative data to the prioritization committee. Make sure that the data are presented in a format that is accessible for the individuals on the committee. Foster an environment for open dialogue to discuss the identified health needs thoroughly.
• Review community assets – Reflect back on your asset map to identify what resources exist in your community to address the need. Take stock of what resources (staffing, in-kind, financial, etc.) in your hospital could potentially be
• ●       Build consensus around priority needs – If you select priorities that vary from community recommendations, justify the reasons for making those choices. Consider the consequences of not addressing an issue and how that can affect the community’s well-being in the future. In the case of overlapping health needs, consider consolidating into a single priority.
• ●       Validate selected priorities – Conduct discussion groups with members of your hospital’s steering committee and community members for additional input. Make sure the selected priority needs align with hospital and community sentiment.
• ●       Present priorities to senior leadership and the hospital’s board of trustees for approval – Align your hospital’s population health management strategy with the community health priorities.