This review looked at U.S. studies from 2000 to 2023 that tested community health worker (CHW) programs through randomized control trials. It found 39 studies, mostly based in healthcare systems and community health centers. Few studies focused on CHWs working in public health agencies or insurance settings. Overall, most trials showed that CHWs improved health outcomes. The … [Read more...] about A Scoping Review of RCT Studies on Community Health Worker Effectiveness
CHW programs
A qualitative exploration of multi-level factors that support effective community health worker-social worker collaboration
This study looked at how community health workers (CHWs) and social workers (SWs) work together in healthcare and community settings in the U.S. Focus groups with 37 workers revealed that successful collaboration depends on clear roles, good communication, mutual respect, supportive supervision, and shared workflows. Organizational support, leadership backing, training, and … [Read more...] about A qualitative exploration of multi-level factors that support effective community health worker-social worker collaboration
It’s Time to Prioritize CHWs: A Decade of Economic Evaluation Evidence Suggests CHWs are More Cost-Effective Than Alternatives
This study reviewed 130 papers to see if community health workers (CHWs) provide good value for money in health programs. It found that CHW programs are cost-effective in most cases, especially when they are well-trained, supported, and linked to health facilities. Programs that combine CHWs with digital tools or cover several health areas work better than those focused on one … [Read more...] about It’s Time to Prioritize CHWs: A Decade of Economic Evaluation Evidence Suggests CHWs are More Cost-Effective Than Alternatives
The cost-effectiveness of community health workers in primary health care: a systematic review
This review looked at studies from 25 countries to see if community health worker (CHW) programs are cost-effective in primary health care. Most of the 50 studies focused on specific diseases like maternal and child health, diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, mental health, and HIV. About 70% found that CHW programs were cost-effective, showing their value in both low- and … [Read more...] about The cost-effectiveness of community health workers in primary health care: a systematic review
Empowering Health Navigators and Communities
In Iowa, growing immigrant communities have highlighted health gaps, especially in rural and underserved areas. To address this, local residents were trained as community health navigators to offer health education and screenings in culturally appropriate ways. So far, over 35 navigators have reached more than 1,200 people in places like churches, mosques, and housing … [Read more...] about Empowering Health Navigators and Communities