Needs Assessment

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program needs assessment is a process of collecting information about the needs of people with HIV (PWH)—both those receiving care and those not in care. Steps involve gathering data—from multiple sources—on the number of HIV and AIDS cases, the needs of PWH, and current resources (Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and other) available to meet those needs. This information is then analyzed to identify what services are needed and by which groups of PWH.

Resources 11

Guidelines and Manuals

Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Plan Guidance, Including the Statewide Coordinated Statement of Need, CY 2022-2026
HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
June 2021
Guidance (and webinar) outlining planning requirements for RWHAP Parts A and B recipients and all DHAP-funded state and local health departments.
Methodology for Estimating Unmet Need Instruction Manual
HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB)
May 2021
Update to the Unmet Need Methodology for Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Parts A and B recipients.
Estimating Unmet Need: Required Reporting Templates and Optional Calculation Tables Package

Estimating Unmet Need: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Estimating Unmet Need: Key Steps for RWHAP Parts A and B Recipients High Level Workflow Infographic

Updated Framework for Estimating Unmet Need for HIV Primary Medical Care

Estimating Unmet Need for HIV Primary Medical Care – Preparation Plan

Feasibility of Required vs. Enhanced Estimates and Analysis for Estimating Unmet Need for HIV Primary Medical Care

Data Capacity Assessment for Estimating Unmet Need for HIV Primary Medical Care
Integrated Guidance for Developing Epidemiologic Profiles: HIV Prevention and Ryan White HIV/AIDS Programs Planning
HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
July 2014
Guidance on development of HIV/AIDS epidemiological profiles for use in planning/evaluation activities of both prevention and care programs.

Webinars and Training

Using Unmet Need Estimates and Analysis for HIV Primary Medical Care to Inform Planning
HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB)
April 2021
This document will help RWHAP recipients understand how Unmet Need estimates and analyses fit into larger planning processes.
The Enhanced Estimates and Analyses of the Updated Unmet Need Framework: Going Beyond the Basics
Unmet Need Training and TA Team
November 2020
This webinar provides an introduction to the enhanced estimates and analyses of the updated Unmet Need Framework to RWHAP Part A and Part B recipients.
Conducting RWHAP Part A Planning Council/Planning Body Needs Assessments
Planning CHATT
May 2018
Review of the needs assessment process that RWHAP Part A planning councils/planning bodies conduct annually, with a case study on consumer leadership of the needs assessment process.
Strategies and Lessons Learned for Consumer and Stakeholder Engagement in Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Planning and Implementation
IHAP TA Center
July 2017
Strategies for ongoing consumer and stakeholder engagement in the integrated prevention and care planning, implementation, and monitoring processes.
Planning Council/Planning Body Assessment: Key Findings and Implications
HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB)
March 2017
Results of a 2016 Technical Assistance Assessment of Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part A Planning Councils/Planning Bodies.

Tools and Job Aids

Town Hall Meetings: A RWHAP Needs Assessment Tool
Planning CHATT
September 2021
Training Guide for RWHAP Part A Planning Councils/Planning Bodies: A Member’s First Planning Cycle
Planning CHATT
December 2018
Guide for planning councils/planning bodies to conduct orientation and ongoing training to prepare members to participate fully in RWHAP Part A planning and decision making.
Self-Assessment Module (SAM) Series
HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB)
January 2009
Workbooks for RWHAP planning bodies and other entities to self-assess their effectiveness.

Technical Assistance

RWHAP Compass Dashboard
The RWHAP Compass Dashboard is a user-friendly, interactive data tool to visualize the reach, impact, and outcomes of the RWHAP. HRSA offers office hours and webinars to help use the tool.
IHAP TA Center
Support for Part A and B recipients and their planning bodies around integrated HIV/AIDS planning efforts.
Regional AIDS Education and Training Centers
The AETC Program offers clinician education and tailored capacity-building assistance.