The community health worker (CHW) model has been successfully used to promote health and reduce adverse health outcomes in underserved communities. Although there is a general consensus that involvement of natural helpers from the targeted communities is a promising approach in the elimination of health disparities, there is less agreement on their responsibilities, scope of … [Read more...] about Recognizing the diverse roles of community health workers in the elimination of health disparities: from paid staff to volunteers.
Evaluation
Applying the community health worker model to diabetes management: using mixed methods to assess implementation and effectiveness.
The community health worker (CHW) model is a popular method for reaching vulnerable populations with diabetes. This study assessed implementation and effectiveness of the model within diabetes programs. Five CHW roles were identified: educator, case manager, role model, program facilitator, and advocate. Roles, responsibilities and training varied greatly across programs. … [Read more...] about Applying the community health worker model to diabetes management: using mixed methods to assess implementation and effectiveness.
Improving Asthma Management among African-American Children via a Community Health Worker Model: Findings from a Chicago-Based Pilot Intervention
Asthma affects 25-30% of children living in certain disadvantaged Chicago neighborhoods, a rate twice the national prevalence (13%). Children living in poor, minority communities tend to rely heavily on the emergency department (ED) for asthma care and are unlikely to be properly medicated or educated on asthma self-management. A pilot project implemented and evaluated a … [Read more...] about Improving Asthma Management among African-American Children via a Community Health Worker Model: Findings from a Chicago-Based Pilot Intervention
Recommendations for developing and sustaining community health workers.
This report provides recommendations for the development and sustenance of community health workers. These recommendations are a result of the San Antonio Community Health Worker Summit held January 2010. Recommendations include defining the workforce, training standards, evaluating financial benefit, strategizing Medicaid reimbursement, and creating support networks … [Read more...] about Recommendations for developing and sustaining community health workers.
A framework for outcome-level evaluation of in-service training of health care workers
In-service training is a key strategic approach to addressing the severe shortage of health care workers in many countries. However, there is a lack of evidence linking these health care worker trainings to improved health outcomes. In response, the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief’s Human Resources for Health Technical Working Group … [Read more...] about A framework for outcome-level evaluation of in-service training of health care workers