CHW Curriculum Work
Presentation from April 14th, 2017 CHW Curriculum Meeting by Sue Roe
Montana Community Health Worker (CHW) Retreat Documentation
March 24, 2016
The following is a compilation of the outstanding group work completed at the CHW Retreat. The information is organized into major categories/themes with their accompanying knowledge, ability, and/or skill.
- Know CHW defined role and scope and those of other professionals;
- Understand practice/recognize boundaries and set personal boundaries;
- Have self-awareness of CHW skills – know limitations;
- Focus on patient– family centered care;
- Know when to refer; have clarity on role regarding care planning, case management, and care coordination; have evaluation and observation skills
- Be a trusted member of and have a presence in the community;
- Be sensitive to and relate to the community culture;
- Understand Montana’s diversity – east vs west, large/small, region uniqueness;
- Have the ability to relate to people to gain access;
- Demonstrate community and individual advocacy and be an advocate within the system;
- Recognize disabilities and be adaptable; maintain safe environments
- Understand cultural uniqueness;
- Meet people where they are;
- Be non-judgmental and open to diversity; know bridges out of poverty;
- Be bilingual (community specific)
- Be a bridge to community resources and act as a resource obtainer;
- Have knowledge about systems of care – community connection, i.e., food banks;
- Be able to collect data and translate information to providers; navigate with a goal
- Possess basic insurance (including Medicare and Medicaid) and benefits literacy;
- Have the ability to connect with individuals and help them sign up for benefits;
- Recognize hub and spoke linkages (systems)
- Demonstrate effective and congruent verbal, written, and non-verbal skills;
- Possess the ability to have conversations with a variety of people and with a broad spectrum of professionals;
- Be able to move conversations forward and manage and navigate difficult communication;
- Apply SBAR when appropriate; use active listening, motivational interviewing, and inquiry; provide appropriate feedback;
- Be able to document and follow up on important information;
- Be a persuasive communicator; have skills in conflict management and resolution; provide customer service
- Build trust;
- Be innovative and take initiative;
- Demonstrate a positive demeanor;
- Have time management and organization skills;
- Be time sensitive based on recognition of patient’s needs;
- Have compassion, be reliable and dependable, relatable, and patient;
- Demonstrate empathy vs sympathy; have the ability to connect to emotions
- Practice self-care and wellness,
- Demonstrate self-safety;
- Pursue empowerment and enablement;
- Be self-motivated;
- Avoid burnout and manage stress
- Recognize and understand teamwork and team roles;
- Be a healthcare team member; initiate and build relationships;
- Collaborate through care coordination for patients and with other providers
- Help assist with chronic disease management and education in chronic disease;
- Possess mentoring skills;
- Use SMART goals
- Understand legal and ethical responsibility;
- Have a working knowledge of HIPAA and PHI;
- Have discretion and maintain confidentiality
- There should be no direct care such as blood pressure/foot care;
- Understand chronic disease, co-morbidities, mental health, prevention, and medication management;
- Be health literate and have an understanding of medical terms;
- Practice infection control;
- Have knowledge about suicide prevention and crisis;
- Have mental health first aid skills;
- Possess a working knowledge of CPR and first aid;
- Understand human life span development and special needs (developmental and/or cognitive);
- Recognize and follow up on nutritional needs, e.g., diabetes
- Have basic skills using technology;
- Have familiarity with EHR
The following are next steps as outlined by the group:
- Operationalize the CHW Role and Determine Funding for Role – Salary/Sustainability
- Affirm Community Need
- Design and Build the Curriculum – Include an Organizing Framework and Measurable Competencies
- Develop a Training Structure – Training Time and Requirements (e.g., academic expectations and additional credentials desired such as a driver’s license)
- Establish a Career Pathway – For Example, Create CHW Levels