Sustainability of CHW Programs in the Health Care Delivery System

This session will give great insight on how to sustain CHW Programs and positions in various healthcare settings even in Challenging economic times or budget constraints. We will discuss barriers that Employers faces on the individual employee level and the systems and policies level. In the end we will look at simple tools of evaluation and evidence base systems to track outcome that will link the CHW performance to sustainability.

The CHW position often lack documentation and tracking systems in the EMR electronic medical record system. In this aspect merit is not attained to secure the CHW's true value in the healthcare delivery system. The CHW value can be equated more accurately if monitored and documented properly for quality control, performance and billing purposes which eventually link to their salary or earning thus sustainability.

Proper documentations, articles and success stories can be effectively used to encourage Law makers even in various states to include the CHW at multi-levels in the healthcare system to ensure the best quality of care.

Finally, including proper evaluation tools and thorough self-assessment, needs to be done to make sure that the growth and development occurs during the career life span of a CHW. Discussion on how to evaluate our work as a CHW must be ongoing to guaranty learning. Publication of evidence base models centered on the benefits and outcomes of hiring a CHW in the Health care delivery system will help. CHW is the link to healthy communities to promote healthy minds & Bodies.