When it comes to training community health workers (CHWs) for your agency, you need to show a sustainable program that balances cost-effectiveness with quality.
Here are five ways of reaching your financial goals you can use to create a lasting CHW training program on a budget. You’ll learn about some of the latest trends and best practices in training development and delivery that you can apply to your program. You can use these whether you have a new program or are a veteran.
The research already shows that CHWs can save organizations millions, especially when it comes to supporting complex patients and those who use the ER room more than others. CHW programs offer proven return on investment (ROI) when implemented effectively. A recent analysis by Penn Medicine showed its community health worker program yields $2.47 for every $1 invested every year by Medicaid.
[Related: Most Important Job Skills To Build a CHW Career]
1. Use Technology and Online Learning:
Incorporate technology and online learning platforms to reduce training costs significantly. Move away from traditional in-person training sessions and think about using e-learning modules that CHWs can access at their convenience. Online training not only eliminates the need for expensive travel expenses but also allows for scalable and self-paced learning experiences, among other benefits.
2. Foster Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:
Centralize your education efforts and encourage working with different departments and programs within your organization or outside. Identify common training needs and create partnerships with other agencies or organizations to share the costs and resources associated with training development. By combining resources and expertise, you can create complete, thorough and cost-effective training programs.
3. Take Advantage of Medicaid Opportunities:
Explore opportunities to use Medicaid money available for CHW training programs. Research and understand the Medicaid SS1115 waiver, which allows states to use federal funds creatively. Work closely with your organization’s Medicaid representatives to identify possible funding streams. You may be able to use these to support the development and implementation of sustainable CHW training programs.
4. Perform a Training Cost Analysis:
Perform a thorough analysis of your existing training costs to identify areas for optimization and cost reduction. Think about all aspects, including room rentals, facilitators, materials, and communication expenses. By managing and doing a cost analysis, you can uncover hidden expenses and identify opportunities to streamline training delivery and group together resources.
5. Continuously Evaluate and Improve:
Establish methods for ongoing evaluation and improvement of your CHW training program. Gather feedback from CHWs, supervisors, and stakeholders to test the effectiveness and impact of the training. Use this feedback to refine training materials, update content based on the latest health guidelines, and ensure that the training remains engaging and relevant. By continuously evaluating and improving your training program, you can maximize its long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
Creating a sustainable CHW training program on a budget requires a strategic approach that embraces technology, collaboration, and cost optimization. By incorporating these five strategies into your training program, you can ensure that your CHWs receive high-quality training while maximizing the return on investment. Remember, a sustainable training program not only saves costs but also empowers CHWs to deliver exceptional care and support to the communities they serve.