Client-Directed and Outcomes Improved (CDOI) approach to health services
This workforce innovation being demonstrated by Wesley Community Action (WCA) involves testing and evaluating the Client-Directed and Outcomes Improved (CDOI) approach within aged care and mental health.
The core elements of the CDOI approach are the relationship between the health worker and client and the client’s capacity to contribute to their desired health outcomes. Measures designed to enhance the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client will be demonstrated in four work areas of Wesley Community Action in the wider Wellington region. These are:
- Wesley Haven – a residential aged care facility
- The Inner City Counselling Service
- Waka Tauira – working alongside hard to reach young adults
- A community service working alongside older people in their own homes who are socially isolated
An international expert in CDOI will train 20 WCA staff across the four demonstration sites to work with clients using the CDOI tools and processes over the next nine months. Ongoing feedback ensures both staff and client are able to track outcomes and successes and can adapt things if they are not working well.
The CDOI approach not only has the potential to improve client outcomes, but to also transform workplace practices in the health sector, addressing issues such as burnout, satisfaction, retention and productivity. For example, feedback to staff reduces burnout significantly as the workers are able to adapt their work to meet the individual needs of clients and are aware of the impact they have in outcomes.
The demonstration is expected to be evaluated in September 2011 and will comprise a review of both the implementation, and the effectiveness of the CDOI tools and processes across the four demonstration sites.
