This study tested how well artificial intelligence tools could answer clinical questions asked by community health workers in Rwanda. Researchers collected more than 5,000 real questions and compared answers from several AI systems with those from local clinicians. The AI tools generally gave higher-quality responses and were far cheaper to use. Although performance dropped … [Read more...] about Large language models for frontline healthcare support in low-resource settings
Healthcare
Improving Community Health Program: Perspective of Community Health Workers in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
This study explored what community health workers (CHWs) in Buffalo City, South Africa, need to do their jobs better. Through interviews and focus groups with 23 CHWs, they suggested support such as transport, regular training, better communication tools, work IDs for recognition, and more resources to reduce heavy workloads. They also stressed the need for permanent, paid jobs … [Read more...] about Improving Community Health Program: Perspective of Community Health Workers in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Public health surveillance through community health workers: a scoping review of evidence from 25 low-income and middle-income countries
This review examines the roles, impacts, and challenges of community health workers (CHWs) in public health surveillance across 25 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). CHWs play a significant role in disease control by engaging communities, gathering data, conducting screenings, and promoting health education. Their involvement, often facilitated by technology, improves … [Read more...] about Public health surveillance through community health workers: a scoping review of evidence from 25 low-income and middle-income countries
An ounce of prevention for a pound of cure: efficiency of community based healthcare
This study examines the impact of community health teams in El Salvador, a common approach for primary healthcare in low- and middle-income countries. The nationwide expansion of this model led to more efficient healthcare delivery. Investments in community-based healthcare, involving less-specialized health workers, resulted in increased preventive care, reduced … [Read more...] about An ounce of prevention for a pound of cure: efficiency of community based healthcare
Engaging rural communities to incorporate social determinants in developing strategies to improve access to health care in the Missouri Bootheel counties
The aim of this study was to engage community members and practice partners across multiple sectors in a participatory strategy development process to a) identify social and organizational determinants of accessing health care, b) collectively prioritize identified issues, and c) develop strategies for change. A collaborative team of academics, practice partners, and community … [Read more...] about Engaging rural communities to incorporate social determinants in developing strategies to improve access to health care in the Missouri Bootheel counties