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Jennifer Baca, Nursing Student, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, 1700 Red River, Austin, TX 78701, 512 416-7251, jmb1127@hotmail.com and Maria Eugenia Herrera, Promotora, Vida Y Salud, El Buen Samaritano, 7000 Woodhue, Austin, TX 78745.
There has been a gradual valuing of community health workers (CHWs), despite the minimal research indicating the effectiveness on parent-child health and safety, or the CHW perspective. In a review of 42 studies comparing the effectiveness of CHWs and professionals, reviewers suggested CHWs achieved outcomes better or equal to professionals. The purpose of this study was to observe the interaction between CHWs and mothers that makes the connection effective, and to incorporate the input of the CHW regarding the visits. According to Hiatt, Sampson, & Baird (1997), because the CHW is a part of the community, there is a stronger bond than that of a typical relationship. The plan of action was to use the listening-dialogue-action model to identify the relationship between CHW and mother. A student observer used observation notes to describe the interactions observed. The CHWs filled out a questionnaire based on their perception of the visit, before and after. The questionnaire asks the CHW how they felt the visit went, whether it was a positive or negative interaction, and whether anything could have been done to better the visit. Observations took place inside the household of the mother being interviewed or taught about safety issues related to their home and children by the CHW. After the home visit, the student observer wrote down final thoughts about the visit and whether there was a positive or a negative interaction formed. Perspectives were then compared. This study will be co-presented by the authors.
Learning Objectives: The participant will
Keywords: Community Health Promoters,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.