CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

Palliative care

Integration of Community Health Workers into Palliative Care Teams: A Scoping Review

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This review looked at how community health workers (CHWs) can support palliative care in the U.S., especially in rural areas. From 24 studies, it found that CHWs helped improve advanced care planning, eased patient symptoms, and increased hospice use through home and phone visits. CHWs provided education, advocacy, and social support, with stakeholders recognizing their value … [Read more...] about Integration of Community Health Workers into Palliative Care Teams: A Scoping Review

Impact of training on knowledge, confidence and attitude amongst community health volunteers in the provision of community-based palliative care in rural Kenya

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This study evaluated the impact of a palliative care (PC) training program on community health volunteers (CHVs) in Kenya. After training, CHVs showed improved knowledge, confidence, and clinical practice in providing PC. They conducted patient evaluations, referrals, and teleconsultations with PC providers. Follow-up assessments at 12 months revealed sustained improvements and … [Read more...] about Impact of training on knowledge, confidence and attitude amongst community health volunteers in the provision of community-based palliative care in rural Kenya

Individual and Systemic Barriers Blocking Community Health Workers from Helping the Seriously Ill

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Palliative care is essential for enhancing the quality of life for patients with serious chronic illnesses, yet its availability remains limited. Community health workers (CHWs) play a crucial role in improving access to palliative care by bridging gaps in patient education and healthcare access. However, CHWs encounter various barriers when supporting patients with serious … [Read more...] about Individual and Systemic Barriers Blocking Community Health Workers from Helping the Seriously Ill

Feasibility of a Palliative Care Intervention Utilizing Community Health Workers to Facilitate Delivery of Home-based Palliative Care in India

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This study sought to assess the feasibility of a CHW-led home palliative care program. Researchers aimed to evaluate the ability of CHWs to assist patients, maintain records of care, and assess patient decline over the intervention. Four CHWs from Kolkata, India, were recruited and trained to use the Worldwide Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance’s Palliative Care Toolkit. … [Read more...] about Feasibility of a Palliative Care Intervention Utilizing Community Health Workers to Facilitate Delivery of Home-based Palliative Care in India

Evaluation of the LIGHT Curriculum: An African American Church-Based Curriculum for Training Lay Health Workers to Support Advance Care Planning, End-of-Life Decision Making, and Care

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In this study, researchers evaluated the LIGHT, or Listening, Identifying, Guiding, Helping, Translating, Curriculum. The LIGHT Curriculum was developed to support those with life-limiting illnesses in African American church communities. Thirty-seven lay health workers from three African American churches took part in the study. Researchers measured knowledge, attitudes and … [Read more...] about Evaluation of the LIGHT Curriculum: An African American Church-Based Curriculum for Training Lay Health Workers to Support Advance Care Planning, End-of-Life Decision Making, and Care