Community health worker peer-to-peer education: A method for addressing barriers to data collection utilization, improving data quality, and developing leadership

Positive Pathways is an evidence-based individual and structural intervention in which community health workers (CHWs) assist HIV-positive individuals living in Washington, DC to participate in HIV medical care. In addition to providing client support, Positive Pathways CHWs are also responsible for collecting data on client enrollment status and access to care at six intervals over the course of client program participation. CHWs are provided with an excel spreadsheet to track assessment due dates. 

Many of the CHWs entered their role with little to no data collection, client tracking, or Microsoft Excel experience. Even though all CHWs receive tutorials on the proper use of tracking tools as part of their initial training, the knowledge gap remains greater for some.  This knowledge gap has contributed to inadequate tracking of client progress and poor data quality.

To reduce the knowledge gap and improve data quality, Positive Pathways utilizes a CHW peer–to-peer coaching approach in which CHWs provide guidance and support to their colleagues on the proper use of assessment tracking and data collection tools. CHWs who have been successful in timely assessment submission and client follow-up tracking offer tutorials on Excel tracking tool utilization and strategic interview techniques that allow for an efficient and streamlined follow-up process over the course of client program participation.  

Sabrina Heard, CHW and co-author of this abstract, will present on a CHW peer-to-peer coaching model and explain the approach to building CHW capacity regarding client tracking and accurate and timely data collection.