The purpose of this handbook is to provide guidance to data management staff within health planning agencies concerning the assemblage, analysis, and application of data for the purposes of health planning and resources development. Detailed information concerning practical, step-by-step approaches to data acquisition, analysis, and use is included. Six chapters cover the following topics: (1) the need for health services utilization data; (2) a study of the utilization of ambulatory care services--physician productivity and availability, patterns of ambulatory care utilization, facility management, and outpatient facility and manpower needs; (3) a study of the utilization of hospital inpatient services; (4) a study of the utilization of nursing home facilities; (5) a study of ambulance services; (6) a family health survey--measures of health status, chronic health problems, disability, use of needed physician services, and barriers to access. (JD)