Model Implementation Plan

 

This plan is for sites considering starting one or more Centering programs. It is a two-year commitment under which CHI provides consultation, training, support, and materials. The site first obtains basic information about the model through sending an advance scout to a basic workshop, reading information materials from CHI, etc.) Once the Site has determined that Centering is a good fit, the Implementation Plan will begin.

 

The Implementation Plan starts with your site being assigned a CHI consultant who will meet with your Steering Committee to discuss issues of system redesign. The consultant will also conduct an overview of the model for everyone in your agency to learn about Centering.

 

If, after this consultation visit, the site determines that it is not ready or able to continue with the implementation plan, it may request a delay. Otherwise, all people who will be facilitating groups will attend a two-day basic training, with the goal of starting the first group within a month or two thereafter. Patient materials for 3 pilot groups and all leader supplies are included.

 

After they have led some group sessions, experienced facilitators will participate in a one-day Level II advanced training to enhance their facilitation skills. The site will also begin the Site Approval process which includes a site visit.

 

CHI will work with each agency to determine its needs and how best to reach the goal of becoming a successful, sustainable site!

 

Start-Up Information

 

6 Steps for Model Implementation

Sites receive expert consultation and resources from CHI through the following six steps to develop a Centering model.

 

Step 1: Basic Information

Initial information from a variety of sources provides understanding about the Centering model and helps the individual or organization think about how the model is a fit for their setting and practice.

 

Step 2: System Re-design

A CHI consultant guides the site through a process that includes assessment of the site, selection and activation of a Steering Committee, planning for scheduling, charting, and other IT needs, and beginning work on publicity/marketing.

 

Step 3: Training Workshops

Basic group facilitation training occurs for everyone in the agency who will work directly with the groups: providers, nurses, medical assistants, social workers, educators, etc. Level II facilitative leadership workshops provide additional content on group facilitation and common system challenges.

 

Step 4: Initiation of Groups

Sites will initiate their first group shortly after the training workshop. CHI provides support for strategies for recruitment and group leadership.

 

Step 5: On-going Consultation and Preparation for the Site Approval Visit

The CHI consultant will continue to work with the site to insure success. Through CHI membership, the site receives a special listing on the website, discounts for Centering materials and supplies, and has use of the Centering logo.

 

Once the first group series is completed and another group has started, the site will apply for Site Approval from CHI. This is a nationally recognized distinction that sites value as a mark of quality care and patient satisfaction.

 

Step 6: Sustainability

On-going operation and success is facilitated by CHI expert assistance for budget planning, data collection and evaluation, and help with specific site needs that are identified.

 

^ Top

 

Areas for Consideration

1. Space - Many sites find that attractive and appropriate group space is an important component of their patient recruitment strategy. An ideal room is convenient, private, and approximately 25’x25’.
2. Costs - Start-up costs include personnel, equipment, training, and group materials. On-going costs include annual CHI Institutional Membership, Notebooks for each participants, and snacks for each session. Site Approval costs usually come in the calendar year after Centering is implemented.
3. Scheduling - Schedules for groups will depend partly on the available of space. Ten-twelve patients are scheduled for each group.
   
   Centering groups meet no more frequently than every two weeks, for 2-hour blocks, according to the recommended care schedule.
   
   In CenteringPregnancy®, a 6-month model, with three different times each week, you can start one group a month. For every additional group started/month you will need another three time slots.
4. Billing for Centering group care - Each person receiving care in groups has an individual assessment with the provider within the group space. This assessment includes the necessary components to meet standard of care guidelines and as such constitutes a billable visit.
   
   In many states there are additional codes, some of them one-time usage codes, which can be used for augmented reimbursement, for ex.: education, depression screening. Exam rooms are freed for other billable procedures.

^ Top

Click on Me