Following are summaries of peer-reviewed research, evaluations, and reports on CHW programs in primary care and community settings. Many of these programs have demonstrated positive results, such as improved health outcomes and reduced care utilization.
Pilot Implementation of a Nutrition-Focused Community Health Worker Intervention Among Formerly Chronically Homeless Adults in Permanent Supportive Housing
A community health worker-led program for formerly homelessness individuals living in permanent supportive housing increased food security and social connectedness.
Community Health Worker Integration with and Effectiveness in Health Care and Public Health in the United States
Community health worker interventions are effective for improving health behaviors and outcomes and reducing health care costs for people with chronic disease.
Results of a Peer Navigator Program to Address Chronic Illness Among Persons Experiencing Homelessness
Embedded peer navigators provide support and mentorship for people experiencing homelessness, leading to increases in chronic disease screening and referrals.
Observational Analysis of a Generalized, Health Plan-led Community Health Worker Intervention in Medicaid
Medicaid health plan-led community health worker program showed moderate evidence for increased outpatient care and primary care use.
Effect of a Community Health Worker Intervention on Acute Care Use, Advance Care Planning, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Adults With Advanced Stages of Cancer
Community health worker-led advance care planning and symptom screening program reduced acute care use for patients with advanced stages of cancer.
Impact on Health Care Utilization and Costs of a Medicaid Community Health Worker Program in Detroit, 2018–2020: A Randomized Program Evaluation
Medicaid enrollees in a community health worker program had fewer emergency department visits and more outpatient ambulatory care use than beneficiaries who received usual care.
Effects of a Standardized Community Health Worker Intervention on Hospitalization Among Disadvantaged Patients with Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Pooled Analysis of Three Clinical Trials
Using community health workers can reduce hospitalizations in high-risk patients.
Demonstrated Health Care Cost Savings for Women: Findings from a Community Health Worker Intervention Designed to Address Depression and Unmet Social Needs
CHW intervention reduced health care costs and utilization for low-income women with depression.
Where is the Break-even Point for Community Health Workers? Using National Data and Local Programmatic Costs to Find the Break-even Point for a Metropolitan Community Health Worker Program
Community health worker programs can offset program costs through reduced utilization.
Evidence-Based Community Health Worker Program Addresses Unmet Social Needs And Generates Positive Return On Investment
A community health worker program yielded an annual return of $2.47 for every dollar invested by a Medicaid payer.
