Asthma

Application of the CHW model in adult asthma and COPD in the U.S.: a systematic review

BMC Pulm Med. 2019 Jun 26;19(1):116. [Pubmed Abstract]

Parekh TM, Copeland CR, Dransfield MT, Cherrington A

Background
With rising medical costs, stakeholders and healthcare professionals are exploring community-based solutions to relieve the burden of chronic diseases and reduce health care spending. The community health worker (CHW) model is one example that has proven effective in improving patient outcomes globally. We sought to systematically describe the effectiveness of community health worker interventions in improving patient reported outcomes and reducing healthcare utilization in the adult asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) populations in the U.S.

Methods
Studies were included if they were a randomized control trial or involved a pre-post intervention comparison with clearly stated disease specific outcomes, targeted adult patients with asthma or COPD, and were performed in the United States. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk…

CHW Home Visits for Adults With Uncontrolled Asthma: The HomeBASE Trial

JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Jan 1;175(1):109-17. [Pubmed Abstract]

Community Health Worker Home Visits for Adults With Uncontrolled Asthma: The HomeBASE Trial Randomized Clinical Trial
Krieger J, Song L, Philby M

Importance
Asthma is often poorly controlled. Home visitation by community health workers (CHWs) to improve control among adults has not been adequately evaluated.

Objective
To test the hypothesis that CHW home visits for adults with uncontrolled asthma improve outcomes relative to usual care.

Design, Setting, and Participants
Randomized parallel group study with 1-year follow-up, conducted 2008 through 2011 at homes of low-income adults aged 18 to 65 years with uncontrolled asthma living in King County, Washington.

Interventions
The CHWs provided a mean of 4.9 home visits during a 1-year period to assess asthma control, self-management, and home environment and to support asthma self-management practices.

Main Outcomes and Measures
Primary prespecified…

Impact of Integrating CHWs into the Patient-Centered Medical Home

J Prim Care Community Health. 2014 Oct;5(4):271-4. [Pubmed Abstract]

The impact of integrating community health workers into the patient-centered medical home
Matiz LA, Peretz PJ, Jacotin PG, Cruz C, Ramirez-Diaz E, Nieto AR

Objectives
Establishing patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) that deliver comprehensive care can be challenging for practices serving diverse populations. Integrating community health workers (CHWs) as members of the care team is one approach to deliver such care; however, little is known about this process. We study an approach of integrating CHWs into PCMHs with predominantly Latino, pediatric asthma patients and examine the impact on care delivery.

Methods
A case study was conducted to examine the integration of 8 CHWs into 5 PCMHs in an academic medical center located in a large, urban setting. Data associated with referrals to CHW practice-based education and support and to a care coordination program, as well as survey results from providers on…