Recognizing the 4TC

First a bit of history: Because of sheer numbers to be trained and the relative lack of IHS or contract staff to do it, 18 months ago CHR Headquarters (HQ) Program recognized the need for a cadre of instructors to train CHRs on the changes to the patient encounter forms and software for the CHR Patient Care Component (PCC). Acting on advice from the National Data Committee, CHR HQ requested CHRs nationwide to volunteer to train as CHR instructors for their Areas. Specific criteria for student-instructors were announced, including written permission from Supervisors. CHR HQ would support the volunteer trainers who would, upon graduation, train their own Tribal colleagues and fellow CHRs in their Areas. Originally dubbed the "Train the Trainers Training Committee", it quickly became the 4TC group. This approach represents a groundbreaking national CHR training collaboration between IHS and the Tribes.

In consultation with the 12 IHS CHR Area Office Coordinators (AOC), it was also clear that a subject matter expert, preferably a CHR, was needed to coordinate training efforts. Thus a special national training project was born. Pam Aguilar, Chickasaw Nation CHR/LPN, now serves as National CHR PCC Training Coordinator. Pam’s role was first announced at Triennial last year.

Pam is training all the 4TC CHR students to ensure we have consistency and standardization of delivery and content regarding the CHR PCC data application - an amazing tool to document not only patient information but also CHR Scope of Work and administrative workload. I have not approved those student instructors as yet to provide training on their own, but they are working diligently to complete the various assignments, meetings and class work we task them with.

Along with updating the CHR User Manual for training purposes (the critical coding section of which is called the "CHR PCC Services Guide") and several other assignments, Pam has also developed a draft Instructor Manual with input from the 4TC group; and has been involved with the development of a national/area/Tribal web-based application for CHR Program Supervisors to enter a password protected IHPES website to track only their own individual program data along with general area and national data. She's also training new and seasoned CHRs during Basic and Refresher classes scheduled this fiscal year.

Bottom Row, L-R: Ruth Puent; Katherine Poncho; Tracy Sheridan 2nd Row: Mercy Thomas; Ernest Begay; Amanda Flores 3rd Row: Angie Reynolds; Dione Harjo; Pam Aguilar; LaDonna RomanNose; Tammy Yazzie; Angela Waldron;Jewel Jandreau 4th Row: Cathy Stueckemann; Lottie Dallas; Stephanie Barehand; Lori Butcher (Cimarron contractor); Ron Galloway; Lennadine Pino.

Pam, CHR AOCs and 4TC members are currently scheduling training on the new forms and software for each of the Areas. While Pam is responsible for the overall course, the idea is to train Area CHRs about the changes and give the 4TC members some limited time to allow them practice at student teaching with Pam there to supervise.

The persons pictured are currently training to become CHR PCC instructors for their Areas. I want to thank them and their Tribes for their participation on top of already heavy workloads. Please encourage them when you see them. I also ask you not to put them on the spot by asking them individually to provide you or your Tribe with training just yet until we announce that they are approved as instructors.

Please visit the Exclusive Web Content page, or contact your IHS CHR AOC for information on the CHR PCC training for your Area. We know one training per Area won't reach everyone, but it's a beginning. Most importantly YOU as a CHR can get a head start on any face-to-face training by not just reading but studying the CHR PCC Services Guide!