The continuous challenge within all health services--to use finite resources to the best advantage of patient care--is resulting in the need to ensure that the delivery of care most effectively meets the health needs of the population. Three models of identifying health need are outlined. The development of an integrated real time electronic patent record information system providing comprehensive health needs data is described. It enables the planning of the effective delivery of care to meet the needs of the population and, subsequently, to monitor the effectiveness of care provided; this is seen as an essential step in achieving patient focused care within a community setting.
Community Health Services Health Services Needs and Demand