Module 4 Assignment 1: Connecting with CHAPs and DHATs

Instructions: 

Find out who your local/regional CHAPs and DHATs are. Find contact information for a CHAP and a DHAT in your community. If your community does not currently have anyone in these positions expand your search until you find information for the person who provides similar services to your community. Begin with nearby villages and then onto your sub-regional or regional hub if one is not located closer to you.

Now that you have their contact information, choose one of them to call and ask the questions below. Take note of their responses so you can include them in your entry below (these responses will not be shared with anyone except your course instructor).

Before you call, it’s important to remember that all Health Aides are busy in their day-to-day jobs and since their first priority is to serve patients, they might not be available to speak the first time you call. If they are not available, you may need to ask them when would be a good time to call back.

**Please note that your discussion with the CHAP or DHAT should take no more than 5-10 minutes to complete.   

When you call, introduce yourself as a BHA and let them know you have a few quick questions to ask so that you can learn more about what they do and how you can work together to coordinate care for patients.

 

Questions to ask:

  • What are the most common services you provide to patients?
  • What is the process for me refer a client to you for medical services?
  • What do you do when you suspect one of your patients is experiencing a mental health or substance abuse problem?
  • What is your process for referring patients for behavioral health services?  
  • Are there any questions you have for me about behavioral health services? (**Please note that even if you do not know the answer to their questions, you can offer to find out and get back to them at a later time with the answer).

**Be sure to thank them for their time before you end the conversation.

Directions: 

  1. Save your notes in a file in your BHA Orientation Desktop Folder.
  2. Click on the 'Add Submission' button below, to see the file response area.
  3. Drag your file into the file area (maximum of 5 files, 5MB each)
  4. Click 'Save Changes' and you are done with your assignment.
  5. If you would like, you may want to follow up this assignment by checking in with your supervisor to tell them who you met and what you learned from the discussion. You may also have some follow-up questions for your supervisor regarding the processes of referring clients, accessing client files, and sharing client information. Such questions might include:
    • How will we manage confidentiality issues?
    • What are the policies and procedures for sharing client information or accessing client records with Health Aides that work for your organization?