Introduction
Conducting a needs assessment is crucial in the process of identifying areas of improvement, as well as in guiding the making of an action plan to respond to issues in an organization, a project, or a process. In the case of the Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC), the focus of the needs assessment is on the identification of various problematic areas that can be addressed to improve the outcome for children patients.
Key Data Points
The success of a needs assessment lies on its ability to identify key data points that can be acted on to improve the current situation in an organization, a project, or a process. For instance, in the needs assessment towards the prevention of complications related to the use of PICC in children, the first data point is the identification of facts that can show the magnitude of the problem. Such facts include the prevalence of PICC complications among children in a given facility. The second data point is the identification of the underlying factors that are attributed to the problem. Such factors include resources, training of personnel, hospital environment, and the age of patients among others. The third data point includes a proposal of tested and proven approaches to the prevention of complications of PICC in children. Lastly, the data points can reveal various suggested and organization-specific solutions for addressing the problem (Gupta, 2011). As identified above, data points ensure that a needs assessment serves its purpose of identifying various needs, thus guiding the identification of relevant solutions.
The use of a Needs Assessment
The needs assessment is an important tool in the process of change management. Whether small or big, any change in an organization must be well planned based on an understanding of the various implications on the overall business or project, as well as on individual people (McKenzie, Neiger, & Thackeray, 2012). A needs assessment allows an organization to identify the areas of change, the actions towards the change, and most importantly, to anticipate the reactions of people towards the changes. For example, in the case of the PICC, it is likely that some of the anticipated changes will include new procedures and safety measures that will promote good outcomes for patients who will be receiving the medical procedure. Such changes may challenge what medical practitioners have internalized, thus leading to resistance towards the anticipated change (Wright & Leahey, 2012). To ensure better outcomes, the needs assessment recognizes the need for training and cooperation between the personnel to adapt to the change. Consequently, the needs assessment is important in the identification of change areas and implications for measures towards the changes, thus ensuring a successful change management process.
The Process of Developing a Needs Assessment
Needs assessment plays an important role in guiding change management in a project or an organization. Due to its potential to influence change in an organization, needs assessment must provide solutions that will allow a company or a program to achieve its mission and vision (Kaufman & Guerra-Lopez, 2013). Therefore, serious considerations should be indulged in the process of developing such assessments. The first important aspect towards a successful needs assessment is the identification of all stakeholders who are going to be engaged in the process. The second approach is the identification of key changes that the project or program is expected to bring (Wright & Leahey, 2012). For instance, in the case of complications of PICC on children, it is anticipated that the needs assessment will provide insights and approaches to preventing such medical complications, thus leading to better health outcomes for children (Barrier, Williams, Connelly, & Creech, 2012). Thirdly, it is important to consider the action plans that will be used to guide the implementation of the recommended changes to transform the situation in an organization for the better. Lastly, it is crucial to identify the measurement approaches that will be used to track the changes that the needs assessment recommends.
The Role of a Nurse Administrator
The nurse administrator is essential in conducting a needs assessment. The first role relates to the distribution of surveys and the collection of data that is essential in the identification of needs relating to a given issue. In addition, nursing administrators act as the sources of information that can be valuable towards a successful needs assessment (Kaufman & Guerra-Lopez, 2013). Most importantly, they can act as contact points between the hospital, the management, patients, and medical practitioners. In addition, a nurse administrator also acts as an educator who can facilitate learning for others in the medical facility, thus contributing to the change (Wright & Leahey, 2012). Therefore, it is important for healthcare facilities to utilize nurse administrators in ensuring successful needs assessment and change management.
Conclusion
In conclusion, needs assessment is an essential tool in change management, as it helps in the identification of various areas that require adjustment towards better delivery of services. The needs assessment in the case of PICC identifies various data points such as resources, training, and other relevant information that is essential in the change process. The process of developing a needs assessment requires a serious consideration of all major issues to ensure that the best change is implemented. The nurse administrator is an important entity in facilitating the needs assessment process and the change management.
Reference List
Barrier, A., Williams, J., Connelly, M., & Creech, C. (2012). Frequency of peripherally inserted central catheter complications in children. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 31(5), 519-526.
Gupta, K. (2011). A practical guide to needs assessment. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.
Kaufman, R., & Guerra-LĂłpez, I. (2013). Needs assessment for organizational success. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
McKenzie, J., Neiger, B., & Thackeray, R. (2012). Planning, implementing, & evaluating health promotion programs: A primer. New York, NY: Pearson Higher Ed.
Wright, M., & Leahey, M. (2012). Nurses and families: A guide to family assessment and intervention. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Davis.