Studying Executive Directors and Supervisors Views of Organizational and Policy-Level Challenges Faced by Community Health Workers. Issue 4 (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rahman, Rahbel; Ross, Abigail M.; Chesna, Sharon; Rama Tatikola, Maya; Hopwood, Simone
• Is Part Of: Journal of ambulatory care management. Volume 44:Issue 4(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: community health workers -- leadership and managerial perspectives -- maternal and infant child care -- workforce support; Ambulatory medical care -- Administration -- Periodicals; Ambulatory medical care -- United States -- Administration -- Periodicals; Community health services -- Administration -- Periodicals; Community health services -- United States -- Administration -- Periodicals; Health planning -- Periodicals; Health planning -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.12
• DOI: 10.1097/JAC.0000000000000389
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-9917

Abstract

Abstract : Within the United States, there is an absence of a national community health worker (CHW) program. There is substantial regional and state-based variability in the population served by CHWs, their disease focus, and availability of training, supervision, and other supports. This article seeks to respond to the call in the literature to work collaboratively with CHW professional associations to identify, reflect, and respond to CHW workforce development and sustainability issues. We partnered with 8 member organizations of the Association of Perinatal Networks of New York and conducted 2 focus groups with 7 executive directors and 6 supervisors. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Policy barriers included funding, accessibility of evidence-based practices, and credentialing. Organizational barriers included recruitment and high turnover and interorganizational referral processes and management. This study offers recommendations for supports needed to sustain CHWs, with an emphasis on greater investment in recruitment and training, higher compensation, and interorganizational collaboration.