Holistic Needs Assessment
A Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) is a simple questionnaire for patients. You can carry out the assessment at any stage of the cancer pathway, on paper or electronically, to help you:
- identify a patient's concerns
- start a conversation about needs
- develop a Personalised Care and Support Plan
- share the right information, at the right times
- signpost to relevant services.
What are the benefits of having an HNA?
Being diagnosed with cancer and coping with its effects on your life may feel overwhelming. You may have lots of questions or worries. Having an HNA can help make sure you get the support you need for these different concerns.
This may include:
- helping you identify the concerns that are most important to you
- getting information and support to help you manage your concerns – for example, side effects or support with emotional worries
- helping your healthcare team understand what is important to you
- being referred to other services if you need more help or support – for example, physiotherapy, counselling or help with your finances
- helping you to plan ahead.
What happens at an HNA?
An HNA usually has 3 parts:
- You fill in a checklist or answer some simple questions about all areas of your life – This is to find out about the concerns you may have. You are often asked to rate how important these concerns are to you from 1 to 10, with 1 being the least important and 10 being the most important. This can help you decide what to discuss first during the assessment.
- You discuss your answers with one of our Support Workers. This is a chance to talk about the issues that are most important to you.
- You create a care plan together for managing your concerns. written care plan.
