gms | German Medical Science

Background and Purpose: Rural communities face multiple challenges due to increasing numbers of people in need of long-term care. Limited analysis of local health and long-term care impedes planning processes and raises concerns regarding access to services and health disparities. This project aims at providing a sufficient database for shaping health and long-term care in rural communities.

Model and Methodological and Theoretical Focus: Based on Klainberg’s “Alliance for Health” Assessment Model we conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) in two rural communities.

Research Focus: Secondary data gathered from statistical departments have been analysed using quantitative statistical measures. Additionally, we interviewed experts working in community health care services and administration. Primary data will be analysed using content analysis.

Results: The preliminary analysis highlights the fast aging process of Samtgemeinde Freren as one result. Its median age will increase from currently nearly 45 years to more than 51 years in 2030 and will thus exceed the one of Emsland Region by three years.

Currently, a care-mix of family care and home care services supports nearly 80% of people in need of long-term care in Emsland Region and more than 70% in Osnabrück Region.

Although community members could reach different health care services in a 20 km range, home care services in Melle are especially affected by nursing shortage, as they cannot ensure service delivery to new clients anymore.

Conclusions: To monitor local health and long-term care delivery by using a CHNA is not common practice in Germany. However, its broader implementation would be a helpful addition meeting future challenges in health and long-term care.