This action article stresses the significance of CHWs for achieving 4 pivotal goals in the effort against the COVID-19 pandemic and its disproportionate effects on vulnerable populations. The authors argue for and present strategies to: “(1) PROTECT healthcare workers, (2) INTERRUPT the virus, (3) MAINTAIN existing healthcare services while surging their capacity, and (4) … [Read more...] about Prioritising the role of community health workers in the COVID-19 response
North America (U.S. and Canada)
Theory-Based Development of an Implementation Intervention Using Community Health Workers to Increase Palliative Care Use
This two-phased qualitative study conducted among 15 stakeholder groups explored the use of CHWs to improve patient and provider understanding and use of palliative care services for African Americans. The researchers found that CHWs are effective agents for promoting palliative care awareness and use among physicians and patients. … [Read more...] about Theory-Based Development of an Implementation Intervention Using Community Health Workers to Increase Palliative Care Use
Community Health Workers and Pandemic Preparedness: Current and Prospective Roles
Gathering insight from the Ebola and Zika pandemics, this article highlights the roles of CHWs in pandemic preparedness. It analyzes how CHWs promote community health before, during, and after a pandemic’s emergence noting their roles in health service delivery, ability to deliver culturally relevant health messages, and motivation to serve their communities. The authors … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers and Pandemic Preparedness: Current and Prospective Roles
An Emerging Model for Community Health Worker–Based Chronic Care Management for Patients With High Health Care Costs in Rural Appalachia
CHWs can help improve population health by guiding individuals through behavioral changes. Through a chronic care model managed by mixed teams of qualified medical providers and CHWs, this intervention sought to improve diabetes control in an underserved rural population. From baseline to six months, 63% of the cohort had decreased fasting blood sugar levels; study authors also … [Read more...] about An Emerging Model for Community Health Worker–Based Chronic Care Management for Patients With High Health Care Costs in Rural Appalachia
Integrating Community Health Workers Within Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Implementation
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) incorporates a plan for CHW integration to improve access to healthcare for marginalized populations. The authors argue that the PPACA provides an opportunity to sustain CHW programs and improve care. … [Read more...] about Integrating Community Health Workers Within Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Implementation