Integration of Community Health Workers into Palliative Care Teams: A Scoping Review

Authors: Angela Kroeze Visser, Anne Pithan, Sabina Kupershmidt, DenYelle B Kenyon, Susan E Puumala

This review looked at how community health workers (CHWs) can support palliative care in the U.S., especially in rural areas. From 24 studies, it found that CHWs helped improve advanced care planning, eased patient symptoms, and increased hospice use through home and phone visits. CHWs provided education, advocacy, and social support, with stakeholders recognizing their value in bridging cultural gaps. While CHWs show promise in palliative care, their roles, training, and integration into clinical teams vary widely.