BACKGROUND: Community health workers (CHWs) positively impact patient outcomes by addressing SDOH in older adult populations at risk for unmet social needs.
LOCAL PROBLEM: Geriatrics clinics within an integrated healthcare system lack adequate information about patients' social needs.
METHODS: A Quality Improvement project evaluated the feasibility and usability of hiring CHWs in three geriatric clinics.
INTERVENTIONS: Retrospective chart reviews identified social needs for patients over age 65. A SWOT analysis examined current processes and opportunities for employing CHWs within the health system.
RESULTS: Of 2065 patients, the primary social needs identified were dental care (3.9 %) and transportation concerns (2.4 %). SWOT analysis highlighted strengths (patient-centered care) and weaknesses (limited resources, communication barriers).
CONCLUSION: Integrating CHWs as employees emerged as a viable solution to address SDOH for older adult patients.
Keddington AS, Gee J. Improving healthcare equity through community health worker employment in an integrated health system. Geriatr Nurs. 2025;65:103485. DOI:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2025.103485. PMID: 40628099
University of San Francisco California