Imagine a program that allows hospitals and health systems to address the needs of high-risk or at-risk populations (multiple chronic conditions, premature birth), social determinants of health, readmissions, emergency department (ED) over usage and provide direct services. This is the true potential of a Community Health Worker (CHW) Program. A growing body of evidence-based practices demonstrates that implementing a CHW program is a solution that delivers meaningful and measurable results to hospital and health systems. Research has shown that CHW programs have resulted in an average savings of $2,245 per patient served, and hospitals and health systems can save $2.28 for every $1.00 it invests in a CHW program – all while improving the health outcomes of patients and communities. Just as you do, we recognize the need for novel approaches to expand patient access to primary care services, decrease unnecessary ED visits and patient readmissions, prevent disease, increase patient adherence, improve health and wellness and meet the needs of an aging population. This CHW toolkit will cover what CHW programs are and what is suggested to implement a program on your own as well as the benefits to your organization, your patients and your community. (abbreviated author introduction)
#P4HEwebinarJune2023