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Engaging Community Health Workers in Primary Care Practices: Provider Understanding of Roles, Benefits, and Barriers
Elizabeth A Rohan1, Julie S Townsend, Andrea Torres Bermudez
1Author Affiliations: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chamblee, GA (Drs Rohan, Townsend, Bermudez, and Thompson, Mr Holman, Dr Reza, and Ms Tharpe); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Diabetes Translation, Chamblee, GA (Dr Thompson); Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Louisiana State University, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Center for Healthcare Value and Equity, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Wennerstrom).
Most primary care practitioners (PCPs) work with community health workers (CHWs), but barriers exist to fully integrating these roles. Understanding PCP perceptions is key to advancing health equity.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Primary Care Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Community health workers (CHWs) are vital for addressing health disparities.
- Limited understanding exists regarding primary care practitioners' (PCPs) interactions with and perceptions of CHWs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine primary care practitioners' engagement with community health workers in adult primary care settings.
- To identify perceived roles and barriers related to CHW integration into primary care teams.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 1504 primary care practitioners (PCPs) in adult primary care settings.
- Analysis of PCP demographics and practice-related factors influencing CHW involvement.
- Assessment of perceived CHW roles and integration barriers.
Main Results:
- 55% of surveyed PCPs reported working with CHWs.
- PCP involvement with CHWs varied based on demographic and practice characteristics.
- PCPs recognized CHWs performing most endorsed roles but noted integration barriers.
Conclusions:
- Integration of CHWs into primary care is feasible but faces challenges.
- Addressing identified barriers can optimize CHW contributions to health equity.
- Further research can inform strategies for effective CHW-PCP collaboration.
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