This study looked at how sharing medical tasks with non-physician health workers like nurses and community health workers can help manage diseases like heart problems, diabetes, cancer, and mental illness in low- and middle-income countries. It reviewed 149 studies from 31 countries and found that most showed positive results. Task-sharing was also found to lower healthcare … [Read more...] about Task-sharing for non-communicable disease prevention and control in low- and middle-income countries in the context of health worker shortages: A systematic review
Community Health Workers Equipped with an mHealth Application Can Accurately Diagnose Hypertension in Rural Guatemala
In rural Guatemala, a study tested whether community health workers (CHWs) using a mobile app could accurately diagnose high blood pressure (hypertension). CHWs assessed patients alongside doctors, and their results were very similar. The CHWs identified hypertension nearly as accurately as physicians, with over 90% agreement. This suggests that with the help of mobile tools, … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers Equipped with an mHealth Application Can Accurately Diagnose Hypertension in Rural Guatemala
Integration of Community Health Workers Into Palliative Care Teams: Challenges, Barriers, Facilitators, and Implementation Strategies
In rural South Dakota, where palliative care specialists are limited, regular healthcare providers often deliver end-of-life care. To improve this care, efforts are underway to educate providers and explore new ways to expand services. One idea is to involve Community Health Workers (CHWs) in palliative care teams. This study looked at the challenges and opportunities of doing … [Read more...] about Integration of Community Health Workers Into Palliative Care Teams: Challenges, Barriers, Facilitators, and Implementation Strategies
Teaming mechanisms of community health worker–primary care integration to enhance health equity
This study looked at how Community Health Workers (CHWs) can work closely with primary care teams to better support patients, especially in underserved communities. At Roots Community Health Center, CHWs called Health Navigators were successfully included in care teams. Through surveys and interviews, the research found that teamwork, trust, and clear roles helped make this … [Read more...] about Teaming mechanisms of community health worker–primary care integration to enhance health equity
Employment–based community health workers: A model for meeting health–related social needs in the workplace
This study tested a program where Community Health Workers (CHWs) helped low-income and minority employees at a university connect to support services like food, housing, and financial help. Only 10% of employees used the service, but most said it met their needs and they would recommend it. A third also made healthy lifestyle changes. The results suggest CHWs can help … [Read more...] about Employment–based community health workers: A model for meeting health–related social needs in the workplace