The Impact of Community Input in Community Health Needs Assessments

Objective: To determine the impact of community participation on nonprofit hospital priorities as outlined in a Community Health Needs Assessment. Design: Using 3 completed Community Health Needs Assessments, we compare key stakeholder survey responses with community survey responses and determine their contribution to the finalized priorities. Setting: Three communities in West Virginia served by nonprofit hospitals (1 metropolitan statistical area, 1 micropolitan statistical area, and 1 rural community). Participants: Key stakeholders and the general population of communities served by the hospital. Main Outcome Measure: Finalized priorities as outlined in the Community Health Needs Assessment. Results: Community participation had an impact on finalized priorities. Conclusion: Community participation is key in identifying unique health needs and should be incorporated into the assessment process by nonprofit hospitals, local health departments, and other public health practitioners. As reforms are considered to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, it will be important to emphasize the importance of community input in identifying ways nonprofit hospitals contribute community benefit. CHNAs without adequate public input may not translate into implementation plans that accurately address pressing health concerns.