Table 1.
Program Components | Before COPE collaboration | Introduced by COPE collaboration |
---|---|---|
Patient outreach | Home visits by CHRs without established frequency. | “COPE clients” receive home visits at least monthly and tracked as high-risk client. |
Each CHR prepares his/her own health education materials resulting in inconsistent health coaching. | CHRs deliver standardized coaching materials that have been vetted by local providers and ensure goal setting at each session. | |
Vital signs monitored inconsistently, CHRs lack oximeters, multiple size blood pressure cuffs, or glucometer training / supplies. | Vital signs monitored; all CHRs equipped with oximeters, multiple size blood pressure cuffs, glucometer training / supplies. | |
CHR Training | CHRs receive training on health topics when available. | Monthly training sessions to CHRs on health topics taught by local providers to build CHR-provider relationship. |
CHRs do not receive training on motivational interviewing, self-care, goal setting. | CHRs receive training on motivational interviewing, self-care, goal setting delivered by Navajo-speaking trainers. | |
Not competency assessments of CHR or trainer knowledge / proficiency. | Competency assessments administered at each training to assess CHR and trainer knowledge / proficiency. | |
CHR supervisors receive training when available. | CHR supervisors receive monthly trainings in team building, supervision and leadership, quality improvement, and wellness / self-care. | |
Community-clinical linkages | CHRs work with Public Health Nurses to evaluate clients together and establish care plans; however, CHRs rarely coordinate care with other healthcare providers. | Increased bi-directional communication and care coordination through planning conjunct meetings, orientation of new clinical staff, provider-led CHR trainings, joint home visits, and conjunct case management. |
No access to Electronic Health Records for CHRs. | CHRs are able to gain access to Electronic Health Records to document home visits and obtain client information. | |
Patients rarely referred by providers to CHRs; primarily identified by CHRs themselves. | COPE helped to increase the awareness of the CHR program with presentations in hospitals. Referral system established and increased referrals by providers to CHR Program. |
COPE Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment, CHR Community Health Representative