Development Of A Framework To Describe Roles And Responsibilities For Sickle Cell Community Health Workers

Background: Evidence is mounting for the effectiveness of community health workers (CHWs) at improving processes and outcomes of care in sickle cell disease (SCD) and other chronic diseases. But recognition is stymied by over 60 titles currently used for CHWs, by variable CHW roles and responsibilities in SCD and other disease entities, and by variations in populations and communities served by CHWs. Herein, we use an evidence review and consensus to advance a common framework and uniform definition of the functions of CHWs, that differentiates CHW roles and responsibilities. We offer the justification for this differentiation, and for certification, credentialing, education, licensure, and payment for CHW service in the US.