Empowering Community Health Workers in Team-Based Care

Introduction

Community Health Workers (CHWs) have emerged as pivotal figures in the healthcare sector, particularly within team-based care frameworks. Their unique position as both community members and health advocates allows them to bridge significant gaps in healthcare delivery.

Who are Community Health Workers?

CHWs are frontline public health workers who are trusted members of the community they serve. They possess a deep understanding of community needs and dynamics, which is crucial for effective public health interventions. CHWs often engage in various roles such as connectors, educators, liaisons between healthcare providers and community members, and direct service providers.

Educational Background and Career Paths

Individuals like Brian Carr, who now serves as a Care Coordination Manager at KC Care Health Center, exemplify the typical journey of CHWs. Starting with a background in Health Sciences from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Carr transitioned from being a CHW to supervising care coordinators. His colleague, Trava Smith, has spent nearly two decades dedicated to educating and advocating for CHWs across Kansas and Missouri.

The Importance of CHWs in Team-Based Care

During their presentation at April's edition of Health Bites with Region 3, Carr and Smith highlighted how CHWs enhance team-based care by:

• Defining Roles: They clarified the roles of CHWs which include advocacy, education on health issues, and connecting clients to necessary services.
• Historical Context: The evolution of the CHW role was discussed, noting its recognition during the 1960s when their potential to aid healthcare delivery was first acknowledged.
• Impactful Stories: Real-life examples were shared where CHWs have significantly improved patient engagement and facilitated better healthcare outcomes at federally qualified health centers.

Key Functions of CHWs:

• Advocacy and Education: They play a crucial role in advocating for patients’ rights within the healthcare system which can be intimidating for many.
• Social Support: Providing emotional support and accompanying patients to important appointments are among their responsibilities.
• Linkage to Care: CHWs ensure that individuals receive consistent medical attention by helping them navigate through complex healthcare systems.

Training and Certification for CHWs

The path to becoming a certified CHW involves comprehensive training that covers core competencies essential for effectively performing their duties. This training can include specialized courses on chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension as well as general skills like motivational interviewing.

Certification Process:

In states like Kansas and Missouri where Carr and Smith operate, certification processes are established that recognize the qualifications of CHWs thereby allowing them further legitimacy within the medical field.

Conclusion:

Community Health Workers are indispensable in bridging the gap between communities and healthcare systems. Their ability to understand deeply both medical directives from healthcare professionals and cultural contexts within communities positions them uniquely to foster substantial improvements in public health outcomes. As we continue advancing toward more integrated care models, recognizing and supporting the role of CHWs will be crucial.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYj_O3UfMhE