Authors: Kennedi Wilson, MPH, Rosemary Agwuncha, Jason Franco-Castano, MS, Lauren Gilbert, PhD, MPH
Community health workers (CHWs) play a crucial role in bridging the gap between communities and the healthcare system, particularly in underserved areas like Houston, Texas. Through virtual focus groups and surveys, this study explored CHWs’ roles and impact. Findings revealed the complexity of CHWs’ work and the importance of building trust with clients. Challenges include the lack of standardized titles and underutilization of CHWs by employers. However, CHWs are instrumental in providing diverse support and resources to communities, promoting health equity. Standardizing CHW descriptions and expanding their roles, including integration into medical education, can enhance primary care outcomes and address social determinants of health effectively.
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Resource Topic: health systems
Resource Type: Evaluation
Year: 2024
Region:
Country: United States of America
Publisher May Restrict Access: No