A study followed the use of UpToDate, a clinical decision tool, by community health workers (CHWs) in rural and remote areas over three years. While CHWs liked the tool, actual use was low and declined over time, affected by power outages, heavy workloads, and limited device access. CHWs mainly used it for learning and building professional credibility rather than at the point … [Read more...] about Adoption of an Electronic Decision Support Tool for Capacity Building of Community Health Workers: Mixed Methods Study
Exploring health literacy and demographic determinants among village health volunteers in the post-COVID-19 era: a web-based cross-sectional study
This study in rural Thailand assessed health literacy (HL) among 840 Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) after COVID-19. Most VHVs had adequate (65.5%) or excellent (29.4%) HL. Higher HL was linked to positive attitudes, strong motivation, and over 10 years of experience, while higher household income was associated with lower HL. The findings suggest training and support should … [Read more...] about Exploring health literacy and demographic determinants among village health volunteers in the post-COVID-19 era: a web-based cross-sectional study
Community health workers serving Veterans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot intervention development and feasibility study
This pilot program tested a 12-week Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) self-management intervention led by community health workers (CHWs) for nine Veterans. Participants found the program acceptable, appropriate, and feasible, and reported benefits from CHW-led education on COPD, breathing techniques, and inhaler use, as well as social support and access to … [Read more...] about Community health workers serving Veterans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot intervention development and feasibility study
The Kitchen and the Cook: Context and Roles in Community Health Worker Programs
Community health workers (CHWs) are increasingly recognized for improving care and reducing costs for patients with complex medical and social needs, but research on what makes CHW programs effective remains mixed and varied. To better understand what drives success, this editorial highlights that future research should focus on the context of interventions, use shared … [Read more...] about The Kitchen and the Cook: Context and Roles in Community Health Worker Programs
Examining the Cost-Effectiveness of Introducing Patient Navigation Services for Colorectal Cancer Screening Among a Low-Income and Uninsured Population
This study looked at whether community health workers (CHWs) helping uninsured, low-income adults get screened for colorectal cancer is cost-effective. Using data from a Texas program with 3,196 participants, researchers found that CHW support increased screening and added only a small cost for each extra year of life gained. The results suggest that CHW-led navigation can … [Read more...] about Examining the Cost-Effectiveness of Introducing Patient Navigation Services for Colorectal Cancer Screening Among a Low-Income and Uninsured Population