This project is based on a job satisfaction and wellbeing survey of employees on the seven At-home Support (AHS) teams at CISSS de la Montérégie-Est. It emerged that when they first join the team, AHS workers would prefer a more structured approach to help them feel more secure, supported, and competent in their new role. At the heart of this request is the fundamental expertise that working in AHS demands. A new support and guidance structure was created. The welcome program takes place during the first year of integration into AHS and includes three main mechanisms to achieve greater understanding: a structural checklist, four mandatory training courses, and a compilation of all structural documents in one place.

The welcome program covers everything new recruits need to know to work in AHS (common core). Themes are grouped into categories and subdivided according to priorities for the first year of integration. There are four A-Z courses available, introducing such essentials as AHS basics (policies and reference frameworks), internal and external partnerships to optimize care and services, risk factors, and AHS-specific procedures.

Over the past nine months, 129 workers have participated in the AHS integration training provided by RSIPA clinical activity specialists, equivalent to 1.82 hours of training or 52 weeks of full-time work. This has both reduced workloads for management and allowed AHS workers at the CLSC to do their outreach work offering clinical support.

Project submitted by Véronique Demers, Coordinator, At-home support services

Other contributors: Mélanie Chagnon and Vicky Surprenant, RSIPA Clinical activity specialists