Citation

Kilburg R. Eval. Program Plann. 1978; 1(4): 285-292.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1978, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0149-7189(78)90052-6

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Needs assessment methodology has grown remarkably as a necessary part of evaluating human service programs. The consumer survey method of needs assessment is reviewed. A case study in which the training needs of board members of the eleven community mental health agencies in a rural New England state were examined by a questionnaire requesting ratings of the importance and priority of 11 possible topics is presented. Sixty-five of 300 questionnaires were returned (21.66%). The results clearly support the view that training programs for boards are needed, and suggest that citizens can make reasonable decisions about program content if given the opportunity. A training project, based on the results of the survey is described. Problems in designing and implementing consumer surveys and training programs are discussed.