HPAC Scholar's Day 2019 CHW_Assessment_Key_Findings | Page 45
What Employers and Other
Stakeholders Want and
Need in the Next 5 Years
Key informants and employers noted that it
will be very important to the sustainability of
the profession to clearly define the profession
in Ohio, demonstrate the evidence-based
value, return on investment, and outcomes of
CHWs, and address funding sustainability. It
is clear from the informants that there is wide
variability in what measures are collected
as well as little sharing across the state. A
mechanism for collecting and reporting
CHW data is needed in Ohio as well as to
establish the business case for CHWs and
reimbursement of services.
One interesting finding from the focus
groups was that perhaps current methods of
obtaining data on CHW program outcomes
are flawed. One participant noted that her
employers think that their CHW program
outcomes are poor because of patient
satisfaction scores. However, the participant
pointed out that the way in which the patient
satisfaction survey question is worded
regarding the CHW program is flawed. At
her organization clients are asked about
their experience with “case management”
rather than with their CHW. The participant
stated if the client was directly asked about
their experience with their CHW, rather than
about case management, the results of the
survey would be much different. This point
should be considered when employers are
measuring CHW outcomes. The wording of
questions should be evaluated with care
to ensure that surveys measure what is
intended.
Many key informants and employers also
noted that sustainable funding mechanisms
need to be identified for reimbursement of
CHW services, and CHWs need to be paid a
competitive wage in order for the profession
to be sustainable as many noted that a low
salary was one of the top reasons for leaving
the profession. Finally, many key informants
and employers would like to see CHWs fully
integrated and accepted in the health system.
What CHWs Want and Need
in the Next 5 Years
CHWs reported that they want and need the
following things in order to advance and have
a sustainable profession in Ohio:
■ ■ Clearly defined scope of practice in Ohio
with possible title protection
■ ■ Have the CHW profession and role known
by all providers and professionals in Ohio
(i.e., starting with provider training on the
role of the CHW)
■ ■ Improved training that reflects what they
are doing in the field and self-care needs
■ ■ Improved continuing education
opportunities, including an annual
CHW conference that focuses on CHW
professional development
■ ■ Improved connectivity of CHWs across the
state
■ ■ A centralized source for CHW
information on training, certification,
continuing education, and employment
opportunities
■ ■ Stronger advocacy for the CHW profession
in Ohio
■ ■ CHW representation on committees at
OBN
■ ■ Improved salaries
■ ■ Improved employment opportunities
that reflect the particular employment
considerations of CHWs
Finally, both CHWs and employers/
stakeholders noted that there is a need for a
Discussion of Assessment Findings
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