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01-10-2018 | Original Paper

The Value of Community Health Workers in Diabetes Management in Low-Income Populations: A Qualitative Study

Authors: Julie Silverman, James Krieger, George Sayre, Karin Nelson

Published in: Journal of Community Health | Issue 5/2018

Abstract

To describe community health workers (CHWs) roles in a diabetes self-management intervention. Retrospective qualitative inductive analysis of open text home visit encounter form from Peer Support for Achieving Independence in Diabetes (Peer AID), a randomized controlled trial in which low-income individuals with poorly controlled diabetes received either CHW home visits or usual care. Following visits, CHWs completed encounter forms documenting the health goal of the visit, the self-management strategies discussed and participant concerns. 634 encounter reports were completed for the 145 intervention participants. CHW notes revealed three main obstacles to optimal disease control: gaps in diabetes knowledge and self-management skills; socioeconomic conditions; and the complexity of the healthcare system. CHWs helped participants overcome these obstacles through extensive, hands-on education, connecting participants to community resources, and assistance navigating the medical system. In addition, the CHWs offered uncomplicated accessibility and availability to their clients. CHWs can be a valuable asset for low-income patients with chronic health conditions who may require more support than what can provided in a typical primary care visit.

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Title: The Value of Community Health Workers in Diabetes Management in Low-Income Populations: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Julie Silverman
James Krieger
George Sayre
Karin Nelson
Publication date: 01-10-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Community Health / Issue 5/2018
Print ISSN: 0094-5145
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3610
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-018-0491-3

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The Value of Community Health Workers in Diabetes Management in Low-Income Populations: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

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