A study followed the use of UpToDate, a clinical decision tool, by community health workers (CHWs) in rural and remote areas over three years. While CHWs liked the tool, actual use was low and declined over time, affected by power outages, heavy workloads, and limited device access. CHWs mainly used it for learning and building professional credibility rather than at the point … [Read more...] about Adoption of an Electronic Decision Support Tool for Capacity Building of Community Health Workers: Mixed Methods Study
CHW training
Improving Mental Health Knowledge Among Brazilian Community Health Agents in a Training Program for a Self-Reported Mental Health Assessment
This study tested a mental health training program for 24 Community Health Agents (CHAs) in Brazil using the interRAI SAMH tool. After the training, CHAs showed improved knowledge of mental health topics, including depression, anxiety, psychoses, and suicide risk. They also felt more confident identifying and referring people with mental health issues. The results show that the … [Read more...] about Improving Mental Health Knowledge Among Brazilian Community Health Agents in a Training Program for a Self-Reported Mental Health Assessment
Supporting the Community’s Health Advocates: Initial Insights into the Implementation of a Dual-Purpose Educational and Supportive Group for Community Health Workers
The Lunch and Learn program in Maryland supports community health workers (CHWs) through virtual education and peer connection. Launched in 2023, it offered twice-monthly online sessions with expert talks, Q&A, and peer-support time. Over the first year, participation grew, and CHWs reported that the program helped both their learning and well-being. This approach shows … [Read more...] about Supporting the Community’s Health Advocates: Initial Insights into the Implementation of a Dual-Purpose Educational and Supportive Group for Community Health Workers
Newborn screening and referral for congenital anomalies by lay health workers in Pakistan: a mixed-methods study to evaluate the effectiveness of a co-created educational intervention
This study tested a training program for lay health workers in Karachi to screen newborns for visible birth defects and refer families for care. After the four-week training, participants showed clear improvement in knowledge and skills, with high agreement with a physician’s assessments. Health workers gave positive feedback on the program, highlighting effective teaching and … [Read more...] about Newborn screening and referral for congenital anomalies by lay health workers in Pakistan: a mixed-methods study to evaluate the effectiveness of a co-created educational intervention
Bridging communities, prevention, and heart health: U.S. strategies for CHW cardiovascular training and integration
This review looked at how community health workers (CHWs) can help prevent and manage heart disease in the U.S. Evidence shows CHWs improve blood pressure control, medication adherence, and connect patients to needed services. Effective programs clearly define CHW tasks, provide proper training, and integrate them into clinics, payers, or community settings. To expand CHW … [Read more...] about Bridging communities, prevention, and heart health: U.S. strategies for CHW cardiovascular training and integration
