Documentary analysis as an assessment tool.

Abstract

Documentary analysis of existing information, such as newspaper articles, is an identified method for use in an assessment to provide a descriptive explanation of existing problems or assets. The intention of this case study is to explore the effectiveness of documentary analysis of newspaper articles as a tool to inform an assessment of factors influencing the implementation of a medical respite for the homeless. Two questions framed the assessment; (a) What was occurring or might occur that will affect the development of a medical respite; and (b) What opportunities or threats are generated as a result? Articles from two local newspapers identified themes related to the three external forces of change that impact medical respites; (a) funding; (b) community resistance; and (c) the health care system. Three themes emerged: a) uncertain funding; b) neighborhood resistance, and c) improved access to healthcare would result from the Affordable Care Act. Use of documentary analysis of newspaper articles provided applicable content for the assessment. Themes from the assessment informed strategic planning, such as addressing potential neighborhood resistance.