10.2190/A4MD-TL36-KU15-JPN0 A4MDTL36KU15JPN0 103 ASSESSING THE NEEDS AND STRENGTHS OF SELF-HELP GROUPS: OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET HEALTH CARE NEEDS 103 116 20061002 20061002 20061002 20061002 A4MDTL36KU15JPN0.pdf http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=A4MDTL36KU15JPN0 1 SCOTT WITUK SARAH EALEY LOUIS BROWN MATTHEW SHEPHERD GREG MEISSEN Wichita State University, Kansas Over 15 years ago the Self-Help Network, a statewide clearinghouse for self-help groups, conducted a needs assessment of groups. Findings from that needs assessment provided direction for the activities of the Self-Help Network and insights for health and human service professionals. Health care has changed dramatically over the past 15 years, including interest in alternative treatments, higher costs, managed care, and greater use of Web-based information. It is difficult to determine what impact, if any, these changes have had on the needs of self-help groups. Consequently, the Self-Help Network conducted another asset and needs assessment of groups. Findings show that groups primarily need public awareness and referrals. Groups struggle with organizational issues such as finding meeting locations and shared leadership. The primary benefits of groups are the sharing between members, followed by information and education. Implications for health and human service professionals are discussed, including insights on how they can provide referrals and technical assistance to groups. Borkman, T. (1990). Self-help groups at the turning point: Emerging egalitarian alliances with the formal health care system. American Journal of Community Psychology, 18, 321-332. DeNavas-Walt, C., Proctor, B. D., & Mills, R. J. (2004). Income, poverty, and health insurance coverage in the United States: 2003. (U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Reports, P60-226). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Emerick, R. (1990). Self-help groups for former patients: Relations with mental health professionals. Hospital and Community Psychiatry, 42(4), 401-407. Gorin, S. H. (2000). Inequality and health: Implications for social work. Health and Social Work, 25(4), 270-275. Humphreys, K., & Rappaport, J. (1994). Researching self-help/mutual aid groups and organizations: Many roads, one journey. Applied and Preventive Psychology, 3, 217-231. Institute of Medicine. (1990). Healthy People 2000: Citizens Chart the Course. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. Jacobs, M. K., & Goodman, G. (1989). Psychology and self-help groups: Predictions on a partnership. American Psychologist, 44, 536-545. Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Education Research Trust. (2004). Employer Health Benefits 2004 Annual Survey. (American Hospital Association Health Research and Educational Trust Catalog Number 097512). Menlo Park, CA: Kaiser Family Foundation. Keigher, S. M. (2001). America's health at the millennium: Imminent risks and long-range goals. Health and Social Work, 26(1), 3-6. Kozak, L. J., Owings, M. F., Hall, M. J. (2005). National Hospital Discharge Survey: 2002 annual summary with detailed diagnosis and procedure data. (DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 2005-1729). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Meissen, G., Gleason, D. F., & Embree, M. G. (1991). An assessment of the needs of mutual health groups. American Journal of Community Psychology, 19, 427-442. NFO Worldgroup and Forrester Research (2003). Consumer Internet barometer: Trends in usage and attitudes (Fourth Quarter, 2002). Retrieved May 9, 2005, from http://www conference-board.org/utilities/pressDetail.ctm?press_ID=2043 National Public Radio (NPR), the Kaiser Family Foundation, and Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. (2002). National Survey on Healthcare. Retrieved May 9, 2005, from http://www.npr.org/news/specials/healthcarepoll Pew Internet and American Life Project. (2005). Internet: The mainstreaming of online life--Trends 2005. Retrieved May 9, 2005, from http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/Internet_Status_2005.pdf Schneider, A. W., Hyer, K., & Luptak, M. (2000). Suggestions to social workers for surviving managed care. Health and Social Work, 25(4), 276-279. Schubert, M. A., & Borkman, T. J. (1991). An organizational typology for self-help groups. American Journal of Community Psychology, 19, 769-787. Toro, P. A., Reischl, T. M., Zimmerman, M. A., & Rappaport, J. (1988). Professionals in mutual help groups: Impact on social climate and members' behavior. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 56, 631-632.