Watford, Melissa A The Integration of Community Health Workers into Health Care Teams in North Carolina. 2024. Radford University, Doctoral Capstone Project. Radford University Scholars' Repository.
 |
PDF
Download (1MB) |
Abstract
Community Health Workers (CHWs) bring the lived experience and understanding of the barriers many marginalized communities face in accessing and receiving equitable health care. Research has shown CHWs to play an essential role in addressing the social determinants of health and improving health outcomes in disadvantaged/underserved populations. Traditionally based in the community, recent efforts to advance the workforce have created more opportunities for inclusion as part of the health care team. However, the CHW role is unique, and the research shows that a lack of understanding and support amongst the health care team members can result in ineffectiveness, underutilization, and lack of outcomes. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to understand, from the perspective of the CHW, to what level they are integrated into teams and the factors that affect integration. The study used a popular education lens and relational coordination theory to understand effective teams. Methodology: The study used a non-experimental correlation design. The population of interest was a convenience sample of CHWs affiliated with the North Carolina Community Health Worker Association (NCCHWA). An online quantitative survey assessed demographics, relational coordination, and racial and ethnic discrimination. The survey enlisted NCCHWA champions and social media to recruit CHWs over the age of 18 who worked in North Carolina to participate in the study. Results: The study sample included 38 CHWs. There was no correlation found between relational coordination and the number of CHWs employed or the length of employment. Additionally, there was no correlation found between understanding of a CHWs role and race/ethnic discrimination. A significant positive correlation was found between an organization’s understanding of the CHW role and relational coordination, and a significant negative correlation was found between relational coordination and race/ethnic discrimination. Conclusions: The results suggest that understanding the CHW role leads to higher levels of relational coordination and that higher levels of relational coordination correlate to lower levels of race/ethnic discrimination. While the results offer insight into the integration of CHWs into health care teams, further research with a larger sample of CHWs and inclusion of all members of the health care team is advised. Keywords: community health workers, equity, health care teams, relational coordination, racial/ethnic discrimination
| Item Type: | Doctoral Capstone Project |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | R Medicine > R Medicine (General) |
| Divisions: | Radford University > Waldron College of Health and Human Services > Health Sciences Program |
| Date Deposited: | 03 Jun 2024 06:33 |
| Last Modified: | 03 Jun 2024 06:33 |
| URI: | http://wagner.radford.edu/id/eprint/1118 |
Administrative Actions
 |
View Item |
