Workforce Readiness Training: A Comprehensive Training Model That Equips Community Health Workers to Work at the Top...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Workforce Development

Background:

• Clinical care accounts for only 20% of health outcomes; social determinants drive 80%.
• Shortages in clinical providers necessitate leveraging Community Health Workers (CHWs) to address nonmedical health factors.
• CHWs can bridge healthcare gaps by addressing environmental conditions, behaviors, and social determinants of health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail a comprehensive training model for Community Health Workers (CHWs) to ensure workforce readiness.
• To equip CHWs to deliver well-coordinated, client/patient-centered care by addressing social determinants of health.
• To support the integration of CHWs into the healthcare system through training for CHWs and their supervisors.

Main Methods:

• A systematic training program development approach was used, incorporating literature reviews and CHW involvement in all research phases.
• The model includes core CHW training with two tracks and three delivery modalities, alongside continuing education.
• Organizational Readiness Training was developed for supervisors and leadership to facilitate CHW integration.

Main Results:

• The training model components, including core CHW training, are presented.
• Process and outcome measures (Kirkpatrick model) captured changes in CHW attitude, knowledge, confidence, and behavior.
• Lessons learned from implementation cover practice-driven curricula, student-centered delivery, and pandemic adaptations.

Conclusions:

• A robust, comprehensive training program is crucial for preparing Community Health Workers (CHWs) to meet increasing demand.
• Training must extend to supervisors and leadership to ensure successful CHW integration and organizational readiness.
• This approach strengthens the CHW profession, enhancing the delivery of holistic, client/patient-centered care.