What is a Collection?
Playbook Collections explore interventions that address the needs of people with complex needs by curating available peer-reviewed research, case studies, and tools. Although not exhaustive, Collections evolve as new and promising research and other resources are available.
Community health workers (CHWs), also referred to as community health representatives, promotores, and peer navigators, are trusted health professionals who often share life experience with the people and communities they serve. CHWs perform a range of roles, such as health education, care coordination, and outreach to health care and social service providers.
Health systems, provider practices, and health plans are increasingly integrating CHWs into interdisciplinary teams to address health-related social needs in primary care and community settings. There is growing evidence on the impact of CHW programs for lowering acute care costs, increasing social connectedness and access to primary care services, and reducing health disparities.
Health care stakeholders can use this Better Care Playbook Collection to understand the evidence behind CHW programs in primary care and community settings, as well as practical strategies to support effective implementation of these programs. Featured CHW programs focus on improving care for a range of populations with complex needs, including Medicaid enrollees, justice-involved individuals, people with behavioral health needs, and individuals with multiple chronic conditions.
What works in community health worker programs?
Following are summaries of peer-reviewed research, evaluations, and reports on CHW programs in primary care and community settings. Many of these programs have demonstrated positive results, such as improved health outcomes and reduced care utilization.
What do these programs look like in practice?
Below find on-the-ground perspectives or experiences in implementing CHW programs in primary care and community settings. Case studies outline details that may be useful for organizations interested in implementing these interventions.
How can my organization implement these approaches?
Following are practical tools and strategies that health systems and providers, health plans, policymakers, and other interested organizations can use when seeking to create or improve primary care or community-based CHW programs.