HNA_01FoundationHealth Needs Assessment
Identify and Define a Focus Patient Group
Summary
Use local health needs data, deprivation data, and insights from patients and your team to identify and define your focus patient group (those most likely to experience poorer access, outcomes, or engagement).
Supporting information
Defining your Focus Patient group is a foundational step that shapes all other equity work in your practice. This locally-defined group represents those most at risk of poor access, missed care, and worse health outcomes in your specific context.
Approaches to implementation:
- Analyse practice data to identify groups with poor health outcomes or low engagement rates
- Review local public health data on health inequalities and deprivation indices
- Facilitate team discussions about which patients face the greatest barriers to care
- Consult with community organisations and your Patient Participation Group
- Document your chosen Focus Patient group with clear rationale and measurable characteristics
Key benefits: Creates a clear framework for targeted interventions and ensures efforts address real local needs rather than assumptions.
Resources
- Local Intelligence Support Team (Public Health Scotland)
- Reducing Health Inequalities Through Primary Care (NHS Wales Primary Care One)
- Public Health Profiles - Fingertips (Public Health England)
Links open on other organisations' websites.