This study developed and tested a new mobile health tool called Scripted Medicine to help community health workers (CHWs) in Lesotho take on more responsibilities in caring for chronic diseases. The tool uses clear medical guidelines and social communication scripts to teach CHWs both medical and counseling skills. Results showed that these tools helped CHWs feel more confident … [Read more...] about Empowering Community Health Workers With Scripted Medicine: Design Science Research Study
Evaluation
Enhancing tuberculosis (TB) case detection among hospitalized patients through lay health worker led screening: a before-and-after study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
This study in South Africa tested whether trained lay health workers could help find more tuberculosis (TB) cases in hospitals by doing regular screening and using better testing tools. Compared to the year before, the number of patients diagnosed with TB doubled (from 7.5% to 15%) and fewer people died in the hospital. The results show that using lay health workers for TB … [Read more...] about Enhancing tuberculosis (TB) case detection among hospitalized patients through lay health worker led screening: a before-and-after study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Program Evaluation of Community Case Management with Reactive Test and Treat for Malaria in a High-Transmission Setting
In Zambia, a program that combined community-based malaria care and targeted testing (CCM + RTAT) using community health workers helped people get malaria treatment earlier. This led to fewer cases showing up at health facilities and lower death rates among children hospitalized with malaria. The children also had less severe illness and shorter hospital stays. However, while … [Read more...] about Program Evaluation of Community Case Management with Reactive Test and Treat for Malaria in a High-Transmission Setting
Learning from the strengths of health care in schools in Brazil & opportunities for contemporary global school health
Schools play a key role in children’s health and learning. This article looks at Brazil’s school health efforts and suggests ways to improve school health programs worldwide. It highlights four main opportunities: (1) clearly defining the role of community health workers in schools, (2) using proven health programs in schools more widely, (3) better coordination of care to help … [Read more...] about Learning from the strengths of health care in schools in Brazil & opportunities for contemporary global school health
Self-confidence as a driver of community impact: Outcomes of the Community Genetic Navigation Engagement Specialist (CoGENES) train-the-trainer program
Colorectal cancer affects Hispanic/Latino communities more than others, partly due to low awareness and limited access to information. To help address this, a training program called CoGENES was created to teach community health workers (CHWs) about cancer prevention and genetic testing. The program was taught in Spanish and English and included three phases: training 12 CHWs, … [Read more...] about Self-confidence as a driver of community impact: Outcomes of the Community Genetic Navigation Engagement Specialist (CoGENES) train-the-trainer program