Needs assessment for the creation of a community of practice in a community health navigator cohort

Abstract

Background Community Health Navigators (CHNs) are members of a patient’s care team that aim to reduce barriers in accessing healthcare. CHNs have been described in various healthcare settings, including chronic disease management. The ENhancing COMmunity health through Patient navigation, Advocacy, and Social Support (ENCOMPASS) program of research employs CHNs, who are trained to improve access to care and community resources for patients with multiple chronic diseases. With complex and demanding roles, it is essential that CHNs communicate with each other to maintain knowledge exchange and best practices. A Community of Practice (CoP) is a model of situated learning that promotes communication, dedication, and collaboration that can facilitate this communication. The objective of this study was to engage with CHNs to determine how a CoP could be implemented to promote consistency in practices and knowledge for CHNs across primary care sites. Methods A needs assessment for a CHN CoP was conducted using sequential steps of inquiry. A preliminary focused literature review (FLR) was done to examine the ways in which other healthcare CoPs have been implemented. Results from the FLR guided the creation of an exploratory survey and group interview with key informants to understand best approaches for CoP creation. Political, economic, social, and technological (PEST) and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analyses synthesized results in a comprehensive manner for strategic recommendations. Results The FLR identified different approaches and components of healthcare CoPs and guided analyses of mitigatable risk factors and leverageable assets for the intervention. The survey and group interview revealed an informal and effective CoP amongst current CHNs, with preferred methods including coffee meetings, group trainings, and seminars. A well-maintained web platform with features such as an encrypted discussion forum, community resource listing, calendar of events, and semi-annual CHN conferences were suggested methods for creating an inter-regional, formal CoP. Conclusion The study findings recognise the presence of an informal CoP within the studied CHN cohort. Implementation of a formal CoP should complement current CoP approaches and aid in facilitating expansion to other primary care centres utilizing digital communication methods, such as a comprehensive web platform and online forum.

Outcomes of co-designed communities of practice that support members to address public health issues

“…Previous studies suggested co-design as a possibility for designing communities of practice that address members’ needs ( Bindels et al , 2014 ; Dijkmans-Hadley et al , 2015 ). Some studies involved minor co-design elements and were typically time-consuming for members and facilitators ( Mazer et al , 2015 ; Toledo-Chávarri et al , 2020 ; Livergant et al , 2021 ). The development of the co-design method was not a part of this study yet is summarized here for reference ( Figure 1 ).…”

Needs Assessment in the use of Digital Technology for Learning Loss Recovery of Students at the Basic Education Level

“…A needs assessment is the process of collecting data to analyze differences between expected competence and actual competence. Then it is necessary to prioritize the differences (Tangdhanakanond & Wongwanich, 2012;Livergant et al, 2021;Nadjarzadeh et al, 2023). The need assessment process is divided into three parts, namely (a) identification of all the necessary needs that arise in the organization.…”