# Feasibility of deploying community health workers to assist with health-related social needs and hypertension in community care clinics

## TL;DR

This study explores using community health workers to help patients with hypertension and social needs, finding some improvement but also challenges in implementation.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the feasibility of integrating community health workers into clinical care for hypertension and social needs.

## Key findings

- Blood pressure and social needs improved from baseline to 6 months in participants.
- Participants were generally accepting of CHWs but faced challenges in relationship-building and understanding CHW roles.

## Abstract

We conducted a pilot study of implementing community health workers (CHWs) to assist
patients with hypertension and social needs. As part of clinical care, patients identified
as having an unmet need were referred to a CHW. We evaluated changes in blood pressure and
needs among 35 patients and conducted interviews to understand participants’ experiences.
Participants had a mean age of 54.1 years and 29 were Black. Twenty-six completed
follow-up. Blood pressure and social needs improved from baseline to 6 months.
Participants reported being accepting of CHWs, but also challenges with establishing a
relationship with a CHW and being unclear about their role.