TY - JOUR PY - 2014// TI - Preparing the workforce for healthy aging programs: the Skills for Healthy Aging Resources and Programs (SHARP) model JO - Health education and behavior A1 - Frank, Janet C. A1 - Altpeter, Mary A1 - Damron-Rodriguez, JoAnn A1 - Driggers, Joann A1 - Lachenmayr, Susan A1 - Manning, Colleen A1 - Martinez, Dana M. A1 - Price, Rachel M. A1 - Robinson, Patricia SP - 19S EP - 26S VL - 41 IS - 1 Suppl N2 - Current public health and aging service agency personnel have little training in gerontology, and virtually no training in evidence-based health promotion and disease management programs for older adults. These programs are rapidly becoming the future of our community-based long-term care support system. The purpose of this project was to develop and test a model community college career technical education program, Skills for Healthy Aging Resources and Programs (SHARP), for undergraduate college students, current personnel in aging service and community organizations, and others interested in retraining. A multidisciplinary cross-sector team from disciplines of public health, sociology, gerontology and nursing developed four competency-based courses that focus on healthy aging, behavior change strategies, program management, an internship, and an option for leader training in the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. To enhance implementation and fidelity, intensive faculty development training was provided to all instructors and community agency partners. Baseline and postprogram evaluation of competencies for faculty and students was conducted. Process evaluation for both groups focused on satisfaction with the curricula and suggestions for program improvement. SHARP has been piloted five times at two community colleges. Trainees (n = 113) were primarily community college students (n = 108) and current aging service personnel (n = 5). Statistically significant improvements in all competencies were found for both faculty and students. Process evaluation outcomes identified the needed logical and component adaptations to enhance the feasibility of program implementation, dissemination, and student satisfaction. The SHARP program provides a well-tested, evidence-based effective model for addressing workforce preparation in support of healthy aging service program expansion and delivery.
Language: en
LA - en SN - 1090-1981 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1090198114543007 ID - ref1 ER -