Related Experiment Videos
Allies community health workers: Bridging the gap
Amy R Friedman1, Frances D Butterfoss, James W Krieger
1Allies Against Asthma, Center for Managing Chronic Disease at the University of Michigan School of Public Health in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Health Promotion Practice
|April 26, 2006
Summary
Community health worker (CHW) programs support asthma action plans by providing home-based education and care coordination. CHWs build relationships and empower families, integrating services within community coalitions for better asthma control.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Community Health
- Asthma Management
Background:
- Allies Against Asthma coalitions utilize community health worker (CHW) programs.
- CHW program structures and roles vary based on community needs and resources.
- CHWs provide essential community-based education and outreach, primarily in homes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the role and integration of CHW programs within Allies Against Asthma coalitions.
- To highlight how CHWs facilitate asthma action plans and improve asthma control.
- To examine the impact of coalition frameworks on CHW program effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of CHW program implementation across Allies Against Asthma coalitions.
- Qualitative assessment of CHW roles, responsibilities, and community integration.
- Review of CHW contributions to asthma education, care coordination, and family empowerment.
Main Results:
- CHW programs are integral to community action plans, offering home-based asthma education and care coordination.
- CHWs act as crucial links between clinicians and families, utilizing asthma action plans.
- Relationship building and family empowerment are key strategies employed by CHWs to improve asthma control.
- Coalition involvement enhances CHW program integration and provides valuable community perspectives.
Conclusions:
- Community health worker programs are effective in supporting asthma management through personalized, community-based interventions.
- The integration of CHWs within community coalitions strengthens their impact on asthma control.
- CHWs play a vital role in empowering families and bridging healthcare gaps for improved asthma outcomes.