Research Brief - HESPER Web: An online tool for assessment of perceived needs in humanitarian emergencies

This project seeks to develop and evaluate The Humanitarian Emergency Settings Perceived Needs Scale (HESPER) Web; an online tool to assess perceived needs of people affected by emergencies or disasters.

In order to provide adequate relief to people in disasters and emergencies, a quick, trustworthy and reliable needs assessment is necessary. It is also important that views of affected people are taken into account during needs assessments. The HESPER tool assesses 26 physical, social and psychological needs as perceived and prioritized by the people affected.

Today, many actors working in responses to emergencies have access to the internet. Web based surveys offer quicker information gathering, and may reduce practical, economic and security challenges in needs assessment.

This research brief outlines the expected outcomes of this study.