Interdisciplinary role of community health educators

Problem: Previous literature has documented the unique ability of Community Health Educators (CHEs) in identifying and addressing barriers facing low income families with chronic disease. The Addressing Asthma in Englewood Program (AAEP) builds upon 15 years experience integrating CHE asthma education programs with a variety of targeted interventions. This presentation describes the interdisciplinary teams developed among the CHE's, their support structures, and the broader collaboration partners. Analysis will be shared comparing the strengths and weakness of the interdisciplinary approach and of different models employed.

Narrative: Given the high level of health, social and economic challenges of the community served, the AAEP's CHE team have backgrounds and networks to help ensure success implementing program elements including case identification through school screenings; provider education; asthma education in schools and community settings; home visits with families addressing factors that exacerbate asthma, linkages with and among institutions addressing social and medical needs; and policy changes at the local and state level.

Lessons learned: The interdisciplinary approach improves CHE implementation of partnerships with health care providers, social service agencies, schools, public agencies, non-profit advocacy groups, academic institutions, and community organizations. The quality of these partnerships is determined in part by where the CHEs are based, in part by the level of centralization of the program, and in part by the unique history of the individuals and organizations participating. Key to successful programs are supporting interdisciplinary teams in every aspect of the process, flexibility in addressing issues as they arise and ongoing commitment to effect change.