The scientific literature reveals that Promotores and Promotoras are effective in many health arenas. The two articles described below assess the outcomes of the work of Promotores(as) in many different communities. To reflect this, we use the generic English term, Community Health Worker.

A recent review of the literature by Swider¹ provides a valuable resource for understanding the scientific literature regarding Community Health Workers. The review started with 275 articles on Community Health Workers in the United States published since 1980, from which Swider narrowed her review to just 20 articles looking at the Community Health Workers’ impact on outcomes or effectiveness. In three of the five areas she examined, the majority of the studies offer positive findings. In particular, Community Health Workers show promise in:

• Increasing access to care
• Improving health status
• Promoting behavior change

In two other areas studied, the findings were inconclusive. These areas were knowledge improvement and cost-effectiveness.

An article entitled “Community Health Workers: Integral Yet Often Overlooked Members of the Public Health Workforce”² reports that Community Health Workers contribute in similar areas to those outlined above. Specifically, this study shows that Community Health Worker programs:

• Increase access to health care
• Improve quality of care
• Reduce the costs of care (including reducing unnecessary utilization of emergency medical services)
• Achieve community empowerment and growth
• Provide a new entry point to the labor market for people who are traditionally disadvantaged in accessing employment

For examples of Migrant Health Promotion’s impact on community health, view Program Results.

References