Collecting Data for Evaluation of Community Health Worker Programs
When collecting data for evaluation, using simplified methods can enhance efficiency and position a community health worker (CHW) program for a successful evaluation. Utilizing streamlined approaches can minimize burden on staff and program participants. CHW programs may consider the following data collection techniques:
- Individual encounter forms
- Group education session documentation
- Clinic reports and patient charts
- Case management reports
- Electronic health record data
- Patient, CHW, or healthcare provider surveys
- Interviews with patients and stakeholders
If a CHW program focuses on health services delivery, it may be important for CHWs or other members of the care delivery team to record and track patient information pre- and post-intervention. Utilizing existing data tracking mechanisms like clinical reports and charts can help reduce the burden of data collection on evaluation staff, CHWs, and involved patients.
Evaluations may also solicit feedback from community representatives, program stakeholders, and healthcare providers. These data may be used to assess the effectiveness of CHW outreach or the quality of a health education session. Some programs may ask CHWs for feedback about their job satisfaction and other experiences.
When choosing data collection techniques, it is important to consider how CHWs can be incorporated in the data collection process. CHWs can be trained to participate in program data collection by entering patient data into electronic health record systems or collecting information on patient-reported changes in health status, knowledge, beliefs, and actions. CHWs may also be trained to conduct qualitative research, such as focus groups, and to support community-based participatory research by enrolling community members in studies, educating stakeholders about research goals, and supporting dissemination of research findings.