Review

CHW interventions for older adults with complex health needs: A systematic review

J Am Geriatr Soc. 2021 Mar 18. doi: 10.1111/jgs.17078. [Pubmed Abstract]

Kennedy MA, Hatchell KE, DiMilia PR, Kelly SM, Blunt HB, Bagley PJ, LaMantia MA, Reynolds CF 3rd, Crow RS, Maden TN, Kelly SL, Kihwele JM, Batsis JA

Abstract

Background/objectives:
The number of older adults with complex health needs is growing, and this population experiences disproportionate morbidity and mortality. Interventions led by community health workers (CHWs) can improve clinical outcomes in the general adult population with multimorbidity, but few studies have investigated CHW-delivered interventions in older adults.

Design:
We systematically reviewed the impact of CHW interventions on health outcomes among older adults with complex health needs. We searched for English-language articles from database inception through April 2020 using seven databases. PROSPERO protocol registration CRD42019118761.

Setting:
Any U.S. or international setting, including clinical and community-based…

A Systematic Review of Psychosocial-Based Outcomes in Peer-Support Services

J Evid Based Soc Work. 2020 Sep 7;1-26. doi: 10.1080/26408066.2020.1805385. [Pubmed Abstract]

Mowbray O, Campbell R, Lee M, Fatehi M, Disney L

Abstract

In determining whether peer support interventions are effective, an examination of the measures used to assess outcomes is essential. Prior reviews often do not account for validly and reliability of measures used in studies, which may lead to conflicting conclusions. Method: Explicit criteria to identify articles of psychosocial based outcomes in peer support services was used. Outcome measures were categorized along broad dimensions, examined for validity and reliability and reviewed for major findings. Results: Thirteen domains of psychosocial based outcomes emerged. Most domains had at least one outcome measure that was valid and reliable. Articles that included valid and reliable outcomes suggests peer support services may be associated with multiple domains. Conclusion: From an examination of the validity and reliability…

The experiences of lay health workers trained in task-shifting psychological interventions: a qualitative systematic review

Int J Ment Health Syst. 2019 Oct 14;13:64. doi: 10.1186/s13033-019-0320-9. eCollection 2019. [Pubmed Abstract]

Shahmalak U, Blakemore A, Waheed MW, Waheed W

Introduction
The prevalence of common mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, is high and the demand for psychological interventions and talking therapies is increasing. In order to meet this need, it is necessary to explore alternative methods to deliver talking therapies. Training lay health workers (LHWs) to deliver psychological interventions might be one possible solution to address current gaps in service provision. A number of studies have successfully used this approach to deliver psychological interventions in order to meet the demand for mental health care. Despite increased interest in this area, the evidence has not been synthesised or systematically reviewed.

Methods
Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBBASE, PsycINFO and CINHAL) were systematically searched to specifically capture studies on…