Moderator: ­ Ann Albright, PhD, RD Presentations: ­ La Clinica de La Raza ­ MaineGeneral Health ­ Galveston County Health District 

Ann Albright, PhD, RD 

La Clinica de La Raza MaineGeneral Health Galveston County Health District

Community Health Worker Community Health Worker Approaches to Implementing Approaches to Implementing 

Self Management In Self Management In Community Settings Community Settings 

La La Clinica Clinica de La de La Maine General Hospital Maine General Hospital 

Galveston County Health District Galveston County Health District 

Community Health Worker Community Health Worker Approaches to Implementing Approaches to Implementing 

Self Management In Self Management In Community Settings Community Settings 

de La de La Raza Raza Maine General Hospital Maine General Hospital 

Galveston County Health District Galveston County Health District

Discussants Discussants 

Joanne Gallivan Joanne Gallivan Jane Kelly Jane Kelly Donna Rice Donna Rice Aracely Rosales Aracely Rosales 

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Discussants Discussants

What’s in a Name? What’s in a Name? 

Community Health Workers Community Health Workers Community Health Advocates Community Health Advocates Community Health Representatives Community Health Representatives Peer Health Promoters Peer Health Promoters Lay Health Workers Lay Health Workers Lay Health Educators Lay Health Educators Promotores de Salud Promotores de Salud Others….. Others….. 

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What’s in a Name? What’s in a Name? 

Community Health Workers Community Health Workers Community Health Advocates Community Health Advocates Community Health Representatives Community Health Representatives Peer Health Promoters Peer Health Promoters 

Lay Health Educators Lay Health Educators Promotores de Salud Promotores de Salud

Role Role 

Bridges or connectors between health Bridges or connectors between health care consumers and providers to promote care consumers and providers to promote health among groups that have health among groups that have traditionally lacked access to adequate traditionally lacked access to adequate health care health care 

Witmer, 1995 Witmer, 1995 

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Role Role 

Bridges or connectors between health Bridges or connectors between health care consumers and providers to promote care consumers and providers to promote health among groups that have health among groups that have traditionally lacked access to adequate traditionally lacked access to adequate

Core Roles Core Roles 

Bridging cultural mediation between Bridging cultural mediation between communities and health care system communities and health care system Providing culturally appropriate and accessible Providing culturally appropriate and accessible health education health education Assuring people get needed services Assuring people get needed services Providing informal counseling & support Providing informal counseling & support Advocating within health systems Advocating within health systems Providing direct services/screening tests Providing direct services/screening tests Building capacity Building capacity 

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Core Roles Core Roles 

Bridging cultural mediation between Bridging cultural mediation between communities and health care system communities and health care system Providing culturally appropriate and accessible Providing culturally appropriate and accessible 

Assuring people get needed services Assuring people get needed services Providing informal counseling & support Providing informal counseling & support Advocating within health systems Advocating within health systems Providing direct services/screening tests Providing direct services/screening tests 

Wiggins and Borbon, 1998 Wiggins and Borbon, 1998

Training Training 

Various curricula Various curricula What is effective training for teaching self What is effective training for teaching self management in community settings? management in community settings? 

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Training Training 

What is effective training for teaching self What is effective training for teaching self management in community settings? management in community settings?

Support for Community Health Support for Community Health Workers Workers 

Some examples Some examples AADE AADE – – position statement position statement APHA APHA – – position statement position statement CDC CDC – – Established first national database Established first national database Many others… Many others… 

Who are we missing?? Who are we missing?? 

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Support for Community Health Support for Community Health Workers Workers 

position statement position statement position statement position statement Established first national database Established first national database 

Who are we missing?? Who are we missing??

What can we do to expand What can we do to expand involvement of community involvement of community health workers in self health workers in self management training? management training? 

What can we do to expand What can we do to expand involvement of community involvement of community health workers in self health workers in self management training? management training?

Health Promoters use stages of change to improve diabetes in urban Mexican Americans

Health Promoters use stages of change to improve diabetes in urban Mexican-

RWJ Annual Meeting

Tucson, October 18-20

Claire Horton, MD

Joan Thompson, RD La Clínica de la Raza

Oakland, CA

La Clinica de la Raza

w A community health center serving 40,000 patients a year

w 84% Latino, 8% Asian, 6% African American, 2% other

w 85% < federal poverty level

w 7 service sites in Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano Counties (California)

w Medical, health education, mental health, nutrition services, case management, dental, optometry, x-ray, pharmacy and lab services. 

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La Clinica de la Raza

A community health center serving 40,000

84% Latino, 8% Asian, 6% African-

85% < federal poverty level

7 service sites in Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano Counties (California)

Medical, health education, mental health, nutrition services, case management,

ray, pharmacy and lab

Key objectives for involving promoters

w La Clinica has a long standing history of community outreach (Escuela de Promotores)

w Desire to integrate the work of Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine with Community Health Education

w Patients in our diabetes program with self management goals had the same A1c average as patients without goals.

Missing ingredient: health promoters to translate medical management into the patient’s reality 

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Key objectives for involving promoters

La Clinica has a long standing history of community outreach (Escuela de

Desire to integrate the work of Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine with Community Health Education

Patients in our diabetes program with self management goals had the same A1c average as patients without goals.

Missing ingredient: health promoters to translate medical management into the

Scope of work w Provide culturally appropriate and accessible

health education information and SMS w Teach self management skills w Follow-up on progress of patients and

identification of needs for self management education w Advocate for patient needs w Lead or assist in weekly groups

(depression, walking, diabetes education, support) 

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Provide culturally appropriate and accessible health education information and SMS Teach self management skills

up on progress of patients and identification of needs for self management

Advocate for patient needs Lead or assist in weekly groups (depression, walking, diabetes education,

Key interventions w Diabetes education classes w Intensive self management support groups w Depression group w Walking club w One on one counseling using ttm w In-services for providers on ttm w Case conferences included the promoters w Diabetes clinic every two weeks with a promoter w Very recent: Group visits 

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Key interventions Diabetes education classes Intensive self management support groups

One on one counseling using ttm services for providers on ttm

Case conferences included the promoters Diabetes clinic every two weeks with a promoter Very recent: Group visits

Addressing Barriers w Language (mono-lingual) and literacy level

– Found ways to engage less literate CHW in other ways – Constant practice and on-going training

w Lack of knowledge in key areas – On-going training (every two weeks) – Constant practice

w Lack of personal transportation – Provided bus passes for public transportation

w Lack of documentation, therefore they cannot be employees – Provide incentives

w Competing priorities in their lives, such as children – Provided child care during promoter meetings

w Health education is often not recognized as a reimbursable service. 

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Addressing Barriers lingual) and literacy level

Found ways to engage less literate CHW in other ways going training

going training (every two weeks)

Provided bus passes for public transportation Lack of documentation, therefore they cannot be employees

Competing priorities in their lives, such as children Provided child care during promoter meetings

Health education is often not recognized as a reimbursable service.

Trans­theoretical model (TTM) w Counseling methodology

Promoters and providers were trained in ttm and used it to stage patients and customize their intervention using processes of change

w Implementation Patients were staged every 3 months for readiness to change

w Challenges Use of processes of change was difficult to determine, and highly variable depending on promoter and provider 

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theoretical model (TTM) 

Promoters and providers were trained in ttm and used it to stage patients and customize their intervention using processes of

Patients were staged every 3 months for readiness to change

Use of processes of change was difficult to determine, and highly variable depending on promoter and provider

Key Accomplishments and key lessons 

Key accomplishment w *Improved hemoglobin A1c levels for the patients w Created a cadre of highly effective promoters who are eager to

use their skills in other ways to help the Latino community w Integration of promoters with clinical services

Key Lesson w Promoters are passionate, empowered and dedicated people.

They are effective translators of the clinical management of diabetes into the patients’ reality. Once taught, they can transfer these skills to other chronic diseases. 

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Key Accomplishments and key lessons 

*Improved hemoglobin A1c levels for the patients Created a cadre of highly effective promoters who are eager to use their skills in other ways to help the Latino community Integration of promoters with clinical services

Promoters are passionate, empowered and dedicated people. They are effective translators of the clinical management of diabetes into the patients’ reality. Once taught, they can transfer these skills to other chronic diseases.

Lay Health Educators:  A Social Marketing Strategy Addresses the Community Resources and Policy Component of the Chronic Care Model RWJF Diabetes Initiative Annual Meeting October 19, 2006 

Natalie Morse, Director Prevention Center, MaineGeneral Health 

Lay Health Educators:  A Social Marketing Strategy Addresses the Community Resources and Policy Component of the Chronic Care Model RWJF Diabetes Initiative Annual Meeting 

Prevention Center, MaineGeneral Health

Community­based Move More n  Build capacity (trails and walking paths, indoor walking spaces) 

n  Gym memberships (low cost/no cost) n  Policy/advocacy (schools, community, worksite) n  Non­directive peer support (volunteers) n  Linking patients to community resources n  Website n  Print materials (standardized distribution system) n  Chronic disease self­management classes 

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based Move More Build capacity (trails and walking paths, indoor walking 

Gym memberships (low cost/no cost) Policy/advocacy (schools, community, worksite) 

directive peer support (volunteers) Linking patients to community resources 

Print materials (standardized distribution system) management classes

Key Objectives n  Build network of volunteers who can provide non­directive peer support (Movers and Lay Health Educators) 

n  Social marketing message 

n  Refer patients to community resources 

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Key Strategies n  CDC Best Practices for increasing physical activity* (Creation of or enhanced access to places for physical activity combined with informational outreach activities, and social support interventions in community settings) 

n  Social Marketing (The Mover is the messenger) *The Guide to Community Preventive Services:  What works to promote health? 

Community Preventive Services.  Oxford University Press, 2005 

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CDC Best Practices for increasing physical activity* (Creation of or enhanced access to places for physical activity combined with informational outreach activities, and social support interventions in 

Social Marketing (The Mover is the messenger) The Guide to Community Preventive Services:  What works to promote health?  Task Force on 

Community Preventive Services.  Oxford University Press, 2005

Informed, Activated Patient 

Productive Interactions 

Functional and Clinical Outcomes 

Delivery System Design 

Self­ Management Support 

Health System Resources and Policies 

Community Organization of Health Care 

Wagner’s Chronic Care Model 

www.improvingchroniccare.org 22 

Productive Interactions 

Prepared, Proactive Practice Team 

Functional and Clinical Outcomes 

Delivery System Design 

Decision Support 

Clinical Information Systems 

Health System Organization of Health Care 

Chronic Care Model 

www.improvingchroniccare.org

Barriers n Stigma in the community of having diabetes n Explaining to community members and professionals that social marketing is about much more than a mass media campaign. 

n Helping health care professionals understand the importance of peer support, and that non professionals are important in referring patients to community resources and delivering the physical activity message. 

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Stigma in the community of having diabetes Explaining to community members and professionals that social marketing is about much more than a mass media campaign. Helping health care professionals understand the importance of peer support, and that non­ professionals are important in referring patients to community resources and delivering the physical activity message.

Lay Health Educator Intervention n  Provide non­directive peer 

support in community and worksite settings…”gentle encouragement” 

n  Refer patients to self­ management resources in the community 

n  Promote physical activity opportunities 

n  Lead chronic disease self­ management classes 

n  Enroll patients in Move More 

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Most important outcome RWJF funding provided time and resources to conduct formative research, develop strategies and establish a network of volunteers. Move More is now a low cost program that can be sustained in a rural setting through the use of volunteers. 

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Most important outcome RWJF funding provided time and resources to conduct formative research, develop strategies and establish a network of volunteers. Move More is now a low cost program that can be sustained in a rural setting through the use of volunteers.

Lessons learned n Lay the groundwork (trails, indoor walking places, website, relationships with partners, etc.) 

n Slow and steady work with volunteers, health care professionals and community members are key to sustainability. 

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Lay the groundwork (trails, indoor walking places, website, relationships with 

Slow and steady work with volunteers, health care professionals and community members are key to sustainability.

Ta k e

Ac t i o n Galveston

D. Darlene Cass, RN

Community Health Workers Facilitate Self- 

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Community Health Workers -Management

Key objectives for Community Health Coaches 

• Provide diabetes self education in non-traditional setting

• Remove barriers to class attendance • Community Health Coaches would be

trained and supported by Galveston County Health District 

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Key objectives for using Community Health Coaches 

Provide diabetes self-management traditional setting

Remove barriers to class attendance Community Health Coaches would be trained and supported by Galveston County Health District

Key strategies of the intervention

Use Take Action, A Diabetes Self Management Program curriculum Focus - to empower participants to take control of their diabetes through knowledge Participants would use Action Plans to assist in behavior change Coach Support

Coach recruitment Coach training Coach support

Supplies for classes Ongoing support 

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Key strategies of the intervention

Use Take Action, A Diabetes Self- Management Program curriculum

to empower participants to take control of their diabetes through knowledge Participants would use Action Plans to assist

Barriers Easier to find coaches then participants Coach health Pace of working with volunteers Schedules Organizations wanting programs but one of many priorities, low level of support 

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Barriers Easier to find coaches then

Pace of working with volunteers

Organizations wanting programs but one of many priorities, low level of

Our Community Health Coach Program Today

nSupport Groups n4 C’s Clinics nTake Action nWhisking Your Way to Health ¨Shelter (Katrina) nAHEC Centers 

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Our Community Health Coach Program Today

53 Coaches in Galveston County

4 Coaches in surrounding counties

19 Coaches in Area Health Education Centers

What Successful Community Health Coaches Look Like

Enthusiastic Dedicated Over come personal barriers Want to share knowledge and experience with others 

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What Successful Community Health Coaches Look Like

Enthusiastic

Over come personal

Want to share knowledge and experience with others

Important Outcomes from the Intervention

Training and Teaching Material 100% of coaches reported the materials were clear and tool box was helpful 100% of coaches felt there was adequate information to teach the class 63% were very confident and 31% confident they would be able to teach the Take Action Program after the training

Location of classes in Galveston County 17 locations (churches, social service agencies, senior centers, families, pharmacies) One time series and ongoing classes Support groups

704 participants 

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Important Outcomes from the Intervention

Training and Teaching Material 100% of coaches reported the materials were clear and tool box was helpful 100% of coaches felt there was adequate information

63% were very confident and 31% confident they would be able to teach the Take Action Program

Location of classes in Galveston County hurches, social service agencies,

senior centers, families, pharmacies) One time series and ongoing classes

Important Outcomes from the Intervention

97% of participants completing an evaluation indicated they were making changes in the management of their diabetes 88% indicated there was a lot of new information provided 100% indicated Action Plans helped with behavior change 58% never attended diabetes education classes 98% indicated they would use the Diabetic Record 

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Important Outcomes from the Intervention

97% of participants completing an evaluation indicated they were making changes in the management of their diabetes 88% indicated there was a lot of new information provided 100% indicated Action Plans helped with

58% never attended diabetes education

98% indicated they would use the Diabetic

Changing Behavior

Managing Blood Sugar

67 57 55

36 40 

0 

10 

20 

30 

40 

50 

60 

70 

80 

Check Blood Sugar

Use Blood Sugar #

Quick Sugar Low Blood Sugar

High Blood Sugar 

36 

Change in Nutrition 

72 6 6 

7 4  7 6 

4 7 

0 

10 

2 0 

3 0 

4 0 

5 0 

6 0 

7 0 

8 0 

Re ad l a be l s 

He a l t hy f ood 

choi c e s 

P l an  mea l s  Sma l l e r por t i ons 

Use S hopp i ng 

Li st 

Areas of Change

55

74 76

29

48 

0 

10 

20 

30 

40 

50 

60 

70 

80 

Carry Quick Sugar

Daily Foot Check

Exercise Depression Cope with Stress

Lessons Learned A Lay Person can successfully teach Take Action, A Diabetes Self Management Program (98% of participants indicated coaches were well prepared

Work at the pace of the volunteers with gentle nudging Continuing support is essential 

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Lessons Learned A Lay Person can successfully teach Take Action, A Diabetes Self- Management Program (98% of participants indicated coaches were well prepared) Work at the pace of the volunteers with gentle nudging Continuing support is essential