In rural South Dakota, where palliative care specialists are limited, regular healthcare providers often deliver end-of-life care. To improve this care, efforts are underway to educate providers and explore new ways to expand services. One idea is to involve Community Health Workers (CHWs) in palliative care teams. This study looked at the challenges and opportunities of doing … [Read more...] about Integration of Community Health Workers Into Palliative Care Teams: Challenges, Barriers, Facilitators, and Implementation Strategies
North America (U.S. and Canada)
Teaming mechanisms of community health worker–primary care integration to enhance health equity
This study looked at how Community Health Workers (CHWs) can work closely with primary care teams to better support patients, especially in underserved communities. At Roots Community Health Center, CHWs called Health Navigators were successfully included in care teams. Through surveys and interviews, the research found that teamwork, trust, and clear roles helped make this … [Read more...] about Teaming mechanisms of community health worker–primary care integration to enhance health equity
Employment–based community health workers: A model for meeting health–related social needs in the workplace
This study tested a program where Community Health Workers (CHWs) helped low-income and minority employees at a university connect to support services like food, housing, and financial help. Only 10% of employees used the service, but most said it met their needs and they would recommend it. A third also made healthy lifestyle changes. The results suggest CHWs can help … [Read more...] about Employment–based community health workers: A model for meeting health–related social needs in the workplace
The importance of role and setting in health system social determinants of health screening results
This study looked at how different healthcare workers screen patients for social needs at Henry Ford Health in Detroit. In 2023, over one million screenings were done, mostly by Medical Assistants (MAs), but they found fewer needs compared to Community Health Workers (CHWs), case managers, and paramedics, who identified more issues even though they did fewer screenings. CHWs … [Read more...] about The importance of role and setting in health system social determinants of health screening results
Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a health–related social needs screening and referral intervention in the Bronx
This study explored how Community Health Workers (CHWs) help connect patients with social support services and what factors affect the success of these referrals. Interviews with CHWs, healthcare staff, and program leaders showed that referrals work best when providers clearly explain the CHW role to patients and when CHWs are well integrated into care teams. Key barriers … [Read more...] about Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a health–related social needs screening and referral intervention in the Bronx