Sammanfattning
Danish regions and municipalities are implementing a programme of systematic needs-
assessment, as recommended in the Progress Programme for rehabilitation and palliation according
to Danish National Cancer Plan III. In practice, however, it is not clear what form these assessments
will take, and on what they will be based. The article draws attention to the distinction between
problem and need, and describes two types of questionnaires, currently recommended for assessing
the need for rehabilitation and palliation in people with cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses.
Given the fact that the focus is on evidence-based practice, the authors reflect over developments in
the area and recommend that there be collective discussion of the strengths and shortcomings of the
two questionnaires. There must also be discussion of what resources and competencies healthcare
professionals require in order to strengthen their cooperation with patients and their relatives in
respect of needs-assessment, intervention and follow-up.