Interviews with community health workers (CHWs) reveal insights on how they apply their training and skills to work successfully with children and families.

Background

A growing number of CHWs support children and their families with health-related activities, such as chronic disease management, developmental assessments, and engagement with care. Through interviews with pediatric CHWs, this study identified key characteristics, competencies, and challenges associated with pediatric CHW programs in urban areas.

Findings

Ten CHWs from Cincinnati, Ohio; New York City, New York; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, participated in semi-structured interviews. The CHWs shared that the children and families they serve report health-related social needs, and that it is important to meet families in their preferred environment and use relatable language. CHWs reported success when they could build trust with families, which led to progress on family-led goals. Key challenges included inconsistent family engagement, mistrust of health care systems, and family needs that exceed what CHWs can support. Common skills the CHWs reported using in their programs were multicultural competency, listening, advocacy, and data collection.  

Policy/Program Takeaways

Pediatric CHWs can improve health outcomes for children and families using a core set of skills and competencies. The perspectives shared by CHWs in this study can be used by organizations with CHW programs to address key challenges their workforce face and inform training and program design.