Prior to actual conduct of community diagnosis, a rapid appraisal can be carried out by the nurse to gain a general impression of the community. It is exploratory in nature but can provide direction and focus for the actual community diagnosis. It is also an opportunity for the nurse to immerse in the commun ity and get to know its problems, issues and concen1sthat will contribute in shaping the plan for subsequent community organizing process. It is participatory (WHSMP-PC, 2003) because the data are drawn from the people through focus groups and corroborat ed by the com. muruty through interviews of key informants and community leaders. P ann Tng ac. ti. on & health program ant groups an hem on lmplicatlons/ o~tionli' · Rapid Apprai Commun! Immersion Esta Is war Ing re altonshlp with community leaders and representatives. peclyng w tcan e lnvestjp ted and whel'e (objectives) Plannlns the ata colle~on methods and toels (e,g,,-survev & questionnaire) ewers Rewot 1n1 ata collection fnst FUITferit;s FIi, 7,1 Thepnac ess D'JCD1111nunltyd facnosfs. Adapted from F. ~. Bennett (1979} STEPS IN CONDUCTING COMMUNITY DIAGNOSI S '!. In order to generate a broad range of useful data, the community diagnosis must be carried out in an organized and systematic manner keeping in mind that the community should take an active part in identifying community needs and problems. The nurse plans with the community members to create a team that will be responsible in overseeing the planning, implementation of the community diagnosis. The nurse emphasizes the importance and value of people's participation in the activity because their detailed knowledge about the community will fundame. ntally shape health actions 156 