CHW National Library

A randomized controlled trial examining the impact of community health workers support in diabetes management with low-income ethnic minority patients. Assesses outcomes for participants who received pharmacist support alone, or pharmacist support in addition to community health worker support.

A review and meta-analysis examining controlled trials of community health worker interventions to improve rates of cancer screening. Evaluates the efficacy of such interventions and calls for improved quality studies to better support such interventions.

An analysis of a children’s oral health initiative in indigenous communities in Canada. Communities were enrolled in the oral health program with sporadic, intermittent, or uninterrupted support from a community health worker. The authors examine the relationship between community health worker presence and access to and utilization of preventive dental services.

Evaluates the cost-effectiveness of postdischarge patient navigation. Draws on data from a safety net system and examines costs for 180 days post discharge.

A quality-improvement program assessing knowledge, attitudes, participation rates, and participant satisfaction among community health workers who received nurse-administered training in diabetes management and care on an American Indian reservation.

Examines the day-to-day work of community health workers in Brazil to better understand obstacles and aides to their work, as well as factors in job satisfaction. The community health workers interviewed reported that better integration into primary health care teams, increased ability to follow up on health concerns, and increased community knowledge of their roles would contribute to increased efficacy on the job.

An article from the journal Obesity assessing the effectiveness of a community health worker intervention with rural African American women with Type-2 diabetes. Participants either received weekly phone calls from a CHW for 16 weeks, or received 16 informational brochures by mail. Outcomes of interest included glycosylated hemoglobin, blood pressure, and weight changes.

An article from Clinical and Experimental Optometry comparing the accuracy of vision screening by community health workers, teachers, and vision technicians in a sub-district in India. The authors report that there is not a significant difference between the accuracy of trained community health workers and teachers in administering eye exams.

An article from Tropical Medicine and International Health examining the use of a mobile phone-based application by community health workers. The application helps track clients and set reminders for follow-up. This specific intervention was designed to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

An article from the Journal of the International AIDS Society illustrating the potential and challenges of peer navigation for HIV treatment services for key populations. Calls for better understanding of the impact of such work on peer navigators themselves, as well as the cost effectiveness of peer navigation and an expansion of community-based services for key populations.