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Three evaluation methods of a community health advocate program
M Rodney1, C Clasen, G Goldman
1Division of Community Health Advocacy, Center for Healthy Communities, Dayton, OH 45402, USA.
Journal of Community Health
|October 30, 1998
Summary
Community Health Advocates (CHAs) are indigenous outreach workers who bridge communities and health professionals. Evaluations show CHAs are well-prepared by training and positively impact client health outcomes and resource coordination.
Area of Science:
- Community Health
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Community Health Advocates (CHAs) are indigenous outreach workers serving as liaisons between communities and healthcare professionals.
- The Center for Healthy Communities developed a CHA training program in 1992, with the first CHAs beginning work in 1993.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Community Health Advocate training program.
- To assess the impact of CHAs from the perspectives of the advocates, site managers, and clients.
Main Methods:
- Multi-perspective evaluation including surveys and feedback from CHAs, site managers/directors, and clients.
- Analysis of advocate preparedness, job-related challenges, and client-reported outcomes.
Main Results:
- Advocates reported adequate training but identified systematic barriers to their work.
- Site directors and leaders viewed CHAs as effective in meeting client needs, promoting independence, and coordinating resources.
- Client surveys indicated overwhelmingly positive responses to CHA services, confirming their value in healthcare.
Conclusions:
- The CHA program effectively prepares indigenous workers to serve their communities.
- CHAs are a valuable asset in healthcare, filling a crucial niche and improving client outcomes.
- The evaluation methodology can serve as a model for similar community health outreach programs.