CHWs advance health equity, help achieve the Triple Aim (improve population health, improve patient experience, and reduce per capita costs), as well as expand and diversify the health care workforce.
As noted by researcher and public health leader James Krieger, MD, MPH in a recent webinar, during a home visit, trained CHWs can:
- Assess home environment and self-management skills
- Offer education and support for self-management; engagement on asthma action plan for understanding and adherence
- Coach provider-patient communication
- Help patients navigate the health system
- Provide asthma trigger control resources (e.g., bedding covers, vacuum, door mat,
cleaning supplies) - Provide social support
- Address social determinants of health and connect patients to needed resources
Faith Dohmen
“Many of our asthma patients are enrolled in health care home, and our Peds CHWs help with coordination of the patient’s care, provide support, and link them to resources. Patients whose asthma is not in control often have socioeconomic needs/barriers such as food, housing, finances, etc. Our CHWs are an integral part of the asthma team and provide a part of care that the RNs and providers are not able to do.” — Faith Dohmen, RN, BS, Certified Asthma Educator, Pediatric Clinic, Hennepin County Medical Clinic
