A corporate needs assessment for the purchase of district nursing: a qualitative approach.

A qualitative research methodology was applied to a corporate assessment of need for district nursing services. Semi-structured interviews were held with district nurses and the transcripts analysed for common themes. The major determinants of district nurses' roles were the priorities and practices of other community-based services, particularly social services and primary care. Purchasing and contract setting in this area needs to focus more on the interface with other services.