A needs assessment survey of 386 patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) was conducted in New South Wales in late 1986. The diagnosis of SLE in these community-based responders was validated in a random subsample. Most of the respondents were female, with a diagnosis of SLE made between 8 and 15 years earlier. The commonest reported problems with their disease included depressed feelings, reduced activity, stress and changes in body image. The list of 19 reported problems was factor analyzed. Four factors were derived, in the areas of “emotional aspects,” “a lack of information,” “lifestyle restrictions,” and a fourth factor specifically for “lacking information about exercise and diet.” These four factors were used as specific educational themes in the development of the SLE patient education program in Sydney. The study highlights the importance of identifying clients' needs in the community as an essential antecedent to patient education program planning and development.