Building a Framework for Community Health Worker Skills Proficiency Assessment to Support Ongoing Professional...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Workforce Development
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Community health workers (CHWs) are increasingly recognized in healthcare and public health.
• There is a need for standardized best practices in assessing CHW skill proficiencies.
• Effective workforce development requires understanding current assessment methods and perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore current practices, perspectives, and perceived importance of assessing CHW skills.
• To identify guiding principles for CHW skill assessment.
• To inform CHW workforce development and program improvement.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews.
• 32 participants including CHWs, trainers, and supervisors were interviewed.
• Exploration of current assessment practices and guiding principles.

Main Results:

• Understanding of current CHW skill assessment practices and challenges.
• Identification of key perspectives from CHWs, trainers, and supervisors.
• Insights into perceived importance and guiding principles for skill assessment.

Conclusions:

• Findings can inform the development of effective CHW programs.
• Results support improvements in strategies for assessing CHW skill proficiencies.
• Enhanced CHW workforce development is achievable through better assessment practices.