The role of community health workers in a collaborative care management intervention for cancer pain management: a feasibility study for a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Abby M. Lohr, Joan M. Griffin, Jhenitza P. Raygoza, Marcus R. Frick, Sarah A. Minteer, Jon C. Tilburt, Andrea L. Cheville, Jessica D. Austin

This study aimed to explore the potential of community health workers (CHWs) in helping rural and Hispanic/Latino cancer patients manage pain. The researchers surveyed and interviewed 12 experienced CHWs to understand their comfort levels, challenges, and needs for delivering a new pain management program. Most CHWs felt confident about working with cancer patients remotely, but they identified several challenges, such as working in unfamiliar areas, access to resources, and technology issues. They also noted that patients might lose motivation during treatment. Overall, CHWs thought it was possible to support cancer patients, but they needed more training and resources to make it work effectively.