Addressing Health-Related Social Needs During COVID-19 Through a Hospital-Based, Community Health Worker Program: A...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Public Health
• Health Equity

Background:

• Latinx individuals disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in Austin, Texas.
• Significant unmet primary care needs and undiagnosed conditions among hospitalized Latinx patients.
• Disparities highlighted the need for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a hospital-based community health worker (CHW) program for Latinx patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
• To evaluate the program's impact on patient satisfaction and social needs.
• To assess healthcare professionals' perspectives on the CHW program's benefits.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-method implementation study of a CHW program at an academic medical center.
• Included social needs assessment, care coordination, and post-discharge follow-up.
• Data from patient demographics, social determinants of health, qualitative interviews, and healthcare professional focus groups.

Main Results:

• High patient satisfaction reported, particularly among Spanish-speaking participants.
• Reduction in reported social needs post-CHW intervention.
• Healthcare providers recognized CHWs' expertise in addressing social needs and ensuring care continuity.

Conclusions:

• Hospital-based CHW programs can provide holistic care and address health-related social needs.
• CHWs build trust and improve care capacity for vulnerable populations.
• Investment in CHW programs is crucial for reducing health disparities beyond COVID-19.