Impact of Community Health Workers on Use of Healthcare Services in the United States: A Systematic Review
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
This study provided a systematic review of the impact of Community Health Worker (CHW) programs on health care use and costs. CHWs played the primary role in a health-related intervention relevant to primary care, had no professional training, were paid for their work, and were employed based on their knowledge of a community or population of interest. In 6 studies, the CHW role explicitly included connecting adults with social services such as food, housing, transportation, or insurance coverage, among other health interventions. Study periods ranged from 3 months to 3 years.
Goal / Mission
The goal of this study was to determine the effect Community Health Worker programs have on healthcare spending.
Impact
The studies show that CHW programs can help reduce emergency department visits and hospital use.
Results / Accomplishments
-3 of 7 studies reported significant reductions in ED visits compared to control groups, ranging from a 23% lower risk of any ED visit 2 years after the start of an intervention to a 51% lower annual incidence rate.
-3 of 6 studies reported significant reductions in hospital use compared to controls, ranging from a 39% lower risk of any hospitalization during a 23-month intervention to 75% fewer hospital admissions in the 6 months after compared to 6 months before an intervention.
-4 of 5 studies reported an increase in ambulatory care compared to controls, ranging from a 39% greater completion of follow-up visits to a 146% increase in ambulatory visits.
-3 of 6 studies reported significant reductions in hospital use compared to controls, ranging from a 39% lower risk of any hospitalization during a 23-month intervention to 75% fewer hospital admissions in the 6 months after compared to 6 months before an intervention.
-4 of 5 studies reported an increase in ambulatory care compared to controls, ranging from a 39% greater completion of follow-up visits to a 146% increase in ambulatory visits.
About this Promising Practice
Topics
Health / Other Conditions
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