Evaluation of Student and Hospital Administrator Perceptions of Student Involvement in Completion of Community Health Needs Assessments

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate student perceptions of completing a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and (2) determine hospital administrators’ awareness of potential student roles and interest in future student involvement in completing their mandated CHNA. Methods: Rural Health Professions Program (RHPP) participants who completed the CHNA course were emailed a link to a survey addressing demographics and satisfaction with the CHNA experience. Rural, not-for profit hospitals who were members of the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association were selected for inclusion. Representatives from eligible hospitals completed a telephonic interview regarding their CHNA process, results, and interest in collaborating with RHPP students. Results: Twenty-nine students completed the survey (60% participation). In thematic analysis addressing overall satisfaction with the process, the top response was that it was a good learning experience (9 responses). Participants strongly agreed that communities can benefit from student involvement (65%) and 83% believed their CHNA could benefit the community. Of 19 eligible hospitals, 12 completed phone interviews (63% participation). The most commonly reported obstacles to completing a CHNA were: lack of resources, time, and community participation. Pharmacy was involved in the process at five of the facilities (41%). After describing the RHPP, 10 respondents indicated interest in student involvement in their CHNA (83%). Conclusions: There is potential for a mutually beneficial student-community collaboration, providing hospitals with additional resources while enhancing student engagement and community impact. This partnership could also increase pharmacy representation in the CHNA process, as less than half of hospitals reported pharmacy involvement.