CHW programs demonstrate the potential for great impacts on population health, but interventions sometimes fail as a result of poor transitioning from program piloting to full scale implementation. Stephen Hodgins outlines some of the reasons these programs fail or succeed. He recommends expansions of research conducted both during intervention piloting and also at broad … [Read more...] about Learning from community health worker programs, big and small
Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)
Community health workers reveal COVID-19 disaster in Brazil
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazilian CHWs have received limited access to infection control training and personal protective equipment due to a lack of recognition as health professionals by the government. Gabriela Lotta and her colleagues describe the impacts of these decisions on CHW health and wellbeing. … [Read more...] about Community health workers reveal COVID-19 disaster in Brazil
Which intervention design factors influence performance of community health workers in low- and middle-income countries? A systematic review
National health systems increasingly rely on CHW programming to support population health. Maryse Kok surveyed 140 research studies to uncover CHW program designs that contribute to high CHW performance. Results indicated a broad array of contributing factors, including incentives, frequency of supervision, and high community involvement. … [Read more...] about Which intervention design factors influence performance of community health workers in low- and middle-income countries? A systematic review
Community health workers in Hawai’i: A scoping review and framework analysis of existing evidence
David A Stupplebeen and his colleagues surveyed the literature to understand the scope of CHW’s role and responsibilities in Hawai’i. Responsibilities and roles generally reflected those outlined in the CDC’s ten essential public health services framework and community health worker core consensus project roles. The researchers called for a broader investigation of the number … [Read more...] about Community health workers in Hawai’i: A scoping review and framework analysis of existing evidence
Roles and functions of community health workers in primary care
CHWs in primary care include those with limited formal medical education who provide primary care services and patient support. Andrea Hartzler and her colleagues surveyed thirty research studies to understand the core functions and roles of CHWs in primary care. Functions of CHWs clustered across three types of roles: Clinical services, community resource connections, and … [Read more...] about Roles and functions of community health workers in primary care
