Community health workers in the United States: Challenges in identifying, surveying, and supporting the workforce

Samantha Sabo, Caitlin G. Allen, Katherine Sutkowi, Ashley Wennerstrom

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Scopus citations

Abstract

Community health workers (CHWs) are members of a growing profession in the United States. Studying this dynamic labor force is challenging, in part because its members have more than 100 different job titles. The demand for timely, accurate information about CHWs is increasing as the profession gains recognition for its ability to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. Although numerous surveys of CHWs have been conducted, the field lacks well-delineated methods for gaining access to this hard-to-identify workforce. We outline methods for surveying CHWs and promising ap-proachestoengagetheworkforce and other stakeholders in conducting local, state, and national studies. We also highlight successful strategies to overcome challenges in CHW surveys and future directions for surveying the field.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1964-1969
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican journal of public health
Volume107
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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