Exploring the Role of Community Health Workers in Improving the Collection of Family Health History: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Community health workers (CHWs) have been successful partners in addressing public health and health care challenges but have yet to be engaged in efforts to promote family health history (FHH) collection. FHH information is a key factor in determining disease risk and supporting screening and prevention across multiple diseases. The collection of FHH information could be facilitated by the existing cadre of CHWs already working alongside clients and families. In this qualitative study, we interviewed 30 CHWs from Georgia to better understand the current level of knowledge about FHH, perceptions of how FHH collection aligns with their role, and barriers and facilitators in order to support more active involvement of CHWs in FHH collection. Interviews were completed, transcribed, and double coded by three study team members. More than half of CHWs reported knowing their own FHH information. CHWs showed a strong interest and support for collecting FHH in their job, despite limited current engagement in this role. CHWs acknowledged the collection of FHH as being an opportunity to empower clients to have conversations with their providers. To better support this work, CHWs requested training in using and integrating FHH tools into their workflow and support in communicating about FHH with their clients. Our findings suggest that with support and training, CHWs are uniquely positioned to improve FHH collection among their client base. Ultimately, improving FHH collection skills among the population could allow for better integration of risk-stratified approaches that are informed by FHH information for the prevention, management, and treatment of disease.

Lessons Learned from the Pilot Phase of a Population-Wide Genomic Screening Program: Building the Base to Reach a Diverse Cohort of 100,000 Participants

“…These include the development of a community advisory board with representation from organization across South Carolina, the adoption of a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement for the program, the expansion of recruitment strategies to include community events and at home collection, as well as high-touch outreach through text message follow-ups and phone calls to individuals who express interest. Other opportunities include community capacity building or equipping already established, trusted groups, such as community health workers, to understand and participate as partners in genomic research [ 34 , 35 , 36 ].…”

Community Factors Facilitating or Hampering Service Delivery of Lady Health Workers: Views and Experiences of Beneficiaries

“…Furthermore when attempting to comprehend local realities, guide interventions, and create pertinent policies, their knowledge is frequently overlooked (Bust & Pedro, 2022). This is evident that in tackling issues related to public health and healthcare, community health workers (CHWs) have been effective collaborators (Allen et al, 2022). But CHWs require assistance to contribute to health programs and advance health equity, just like other health professionals do (Raven et al, 2020).The most marginalized groups can receive services from them because of their liaison position between the community and the health system, but there are difficulties involved (Salve et al, 2023).…”

A Model for Examining Family Health History Awareness: Rethinking How to Increase Its Interfamilial and Clinical Utility and Transmission

“…Most chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, stroke, Type II diabetes, hypertension, and obesity) are preventable. Early identification of chronic diseases through FHH awareness, communication, and transmission (e.g., intrapersonal and interpersonal dissemination) improves health outcomes (Allen et al, 2021). These factors may also reduce, delay, and prevent adverse patient prognosis and hereditary health outcomes among blood relatives (Mazzucca et al, 2021).…”