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 12

Guidelines and Manuals

Methodology for Estimating Unmet Need Instruction Manual
HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB)
June 2020
Update to the Unmet Need Methodology for Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Parts A and B recipients.
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

The Enhanced Estimates and Analyses of the Updated Unmet Need Framework: Going Beyond the Basics
Unmet Need Training and TA Team
November 2020
Introduction to enhanced estimates and analyses of the updated Unmet Need Framework to RWHAP Part A and Part B recipients.
Updated Framework for Estimating Unmet Need for HIV Primary Medical Care
Unmet Need Training and TA Team
October 2020
Introduction to the updated Unmet Need Framework for Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Part A and 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.

Tools and Job Aids

Estimating Unmet Need: Required Reporting Templates and Optional Calculation Tables Package
HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB)
January 2021
Excel files for calculating unmet need estimates.
Estimating Unmet Need: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB)
August 2020
Quick answers to common questions about Unmet Need, the calculation used to measure the “need for HIV-related health services by individuals with HIV who are aware of their HIV status, but are not receiving regular primary [HIV] health care.”
Estimating Unmet Need: Key Steps for RWHAP Parts A and B Recipients High Level Workflow Infographic
HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB)
June 2020
This infographic provides a high-level workflow for RWHAP recipients completing the required or enhanced Unmet Need Estimates and Analyses.
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.
Colorado Ryan White Part B Fiscal Review Tool
IHAP TA Center
July 2013
Sample RWHAP Part B Fiscal Review Tool to assists recipients with subrecipient monitoring.
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

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.
Unmet Need Training and TA Team
Help with data collection and analysis related to Unmet Need estimates. Assistance is offered via email or phone consultations, webinars, staff trainings, or through the provision of resource materials.