Framing the Integration of Community Health Workers into Health Care Systems Along Health Care and Community Spectrums

Authors: Erin E McCarville, Molly A Martin, Preethi Lakshmi Pratap, Eve Pinkser, Steven M Seweryn, Karen E Peters

Although the literature emphasizes the need for CHW integration into health systems, there is no standard on how this should be done. Through qualitative interviews, this study determined key themes for clinical and community integration for CHWs. The authors found that accessibility, relationships and empathy are essential for community integration while cultural competence, communication, protocols and training are essential elements of clinical integration.