Community Health Workers Systematically Assessing and Addressing Social Determinants of Health to Improve Outcomes in Community Health Centers (CHW-SYSTIM)
The goal of this mixed-methods study is to assess the impact of a Community Health Worker (CHW)-led social risk screening and referral in improving management of uncontrolled diabetes (DM) and hypertension (HTN) among patients receiving care in community health centers (CHCs or health centers). The intervention is focused on adult health center patients with uncontrolled DM and/or HTN. Study findings will provide important evidence to guide CHCs in implementing programs to address social risks in their patient populations. Findings will illuminate whether and how CHW-led interventions to address social needs yield the hypothesized outcomes. The aims of the study are: * AIM 1: Measure how effective the CHW-led social risk program is at reducing blood sugar levels (A1C) in CHC patients with uncontrolled DM and lowering blood pressure in CHC patients with uncontrolled HTN. * AIM 2: Identify effective strategies for increasing and expanding CHW-led social risk programs.
• 18 years or older
• People with Type 2 diabetes with their most recent hemoglobin A1c test result (a blood test that reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months) is greater than or equal to 9%.
• People with essential hypertension with their last systolic blood pressure (BP) (the top number in a BP reading) is greater than or equal to 140 mmHg or diastolic BP (the bottom number in a BP reading) is greater than or equal to 90 mmHg.