A New Approach to Measuring Need

The Primary Care development Corporation (PCDC) is a public/private partnership that promotes the building of a sustainable, permanent community infrastructure for primary and preventive care in medically under served communities in New York City. Fundamental to PCDC’s capital financing activities are two key determinants: whether a heath care facility is “needed” and whether there s a demand for service. Traditional methodology for assessing needs is no longer enough to provide a consistent basis for determining which project should be funded. The Capstone team was asked to examine new approaches to assessing community health needs. The Capstone team interviewed experts, conducted literature research, conducted special needs surveys to determine need for primary care. The Capstone team has determined that whenever a need for service is considered, the input of the community is vitally important.