Urgency, Seriousness, and Growth (USG)

Urgency, Seriousness, Growth (USG) is one of the tools used prioritize which problem should be solved first. A score of 1-5 or 1-10 can be given to each of the three components.

Urgency refers to problems related to a time component and how urgent we need to resolve the problem. Factors that influence urgency include duration to resolve the problem and whether it is urgent or not.

Seriousness refers to how serious the problem can become in the future. A question we can ask ourselves is will the problem develop into more problems one in the future if we neglect / fail to resolve the problem? Factors that influence our judgement on seriousness include work productivity, effect towards success, and whether it harms the health care system or not.

Growth refers to the possibility of the problem developing into a more severe problem when neglected.

Data or information needed to conduct a USG method of prioritizing a problem are:

1. Results of situation analysis

2. Information on the resources we have

3. Policies and rules related to the health programs being investigated

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