Documentary analysis as an assessment tool.

Background: 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?

Methods: 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.

Results: Three themes emerged: a) uncertain funding; b) neighborhood resistance, and c) improved access to healthcare would result from the Affordable Care Act.

Conclusion: 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.