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Van Iseghem T, Jacobs I, Vanden Bossche D, Delobelle P, Willems S, Masquillier C, Decat P. The role of community health workers in primary healthcare in the WHO-EU region: a scoping review. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:134. [PMID: 37474937 PMCID: PMC10357780 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01944-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing evidence on the role of community health workers (CHWs) in primary healthcare originates primarily from the United States, Canada and Australia, and from low- and middle-income countries. Little is known about the role of CHWs in primary healthcare in European countries. This scoping review aimed to contribute to filling this gap by providing an overview of literature reporting on the involvement of CHWs in primary healthcare in WHO-EU countries since 2001 with a focus on the role, training, recruitment and remuneration. METHODS This systematic scoping review followed the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses, extension for Scoping Reviews. All published peer-reviewed literature indexed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases from Jan 2001 to Feb 2023 were reviewed for inclusion. Included studies were screened on title, abstract and full text according to predetermined eligibility criteria. Studies were included if they were conducted in the WHO-EU region and provided information regarding the role, training, recruitment or remuneration of CHWs. RESULTS Forty studies were included in this review, originating from eight countries. The involvement of CHWs in the WHO-EU regions was usually project-based, except in the United Kingdom. A substantial amount of literature with variability in the terminology used to describe CHWs, the areas of involvement, recruitment, training, and remuneration strategies was found. The included studies reported a trend towards recruitment from within the communities with some form of training and payment of CHWs. A salient finding was the social embeddedness of CHWs in the communities they served. Their roles can be classified into one or a combination of the following: educational; navigational and supportive. CONCLUSION Future research projects involving CHWs should detail their involvement and elaborate on CHWs' role, training and recruitment procedures. In addition, further research on CHW programmes in the WHO-EU region is necessary to prepare for their integration into the broader national health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijs Van Iseghem
- Interuniversity Centre for Health Economics Research (ICHER), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Ilka Jacobs
- Equity Research Group, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dorien Vanden Bossche
- Unit Family Medicine, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Delobelle
- Chronic Diseases Initiative for Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- MENT Research Group, Department of Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sara Willems
- Equity Research Group, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Caroline Masquillier
- 'Family Medicine and Population Health' - FAMPOP, Faculty of Medical Sciences & 'Centre for Family, Population and Health', Faculty of Social sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Decat
- Unit Family Medicine, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Yoeli H, Cattan M. Insiders and incomers: how lay public health workers' knowledge might improve public health practice. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2017; 25:1743-1751. [PMID: 28370767 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Since 2005, health trainers and other lay public health workers (LPHWs) have been increasingly active in the UK. Although elsewhere in the world LPHWs are expected to come from the communities within which they work and know that their knowledge is valued, neither is the case for LPHWs in the UK. This study sought to discover the lay knowledge of health trainers and other LPHWs, aiming to ascertain how this knowledge might more effectively be utilised within UK public health services. This paper describes a participatory and ethnographic case study research project undertaken on an anonymised urban estate in North East England. Findings were generated by a range of means including by participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Seven LPHWs took part, as did 32 other community members. This study found that the lay health knowledge of an individual UK LPHW is determined primarily by his or her position within, or in relation to, the community within which he or she works. Insider LPHWs possess an embodied knowledge and incomer LPHWs possess an experiential knowledge which, although different from one another, are essentially interpersonal in nature. Lay health knowledge can take different forms, and different LPHWs can provide different forms of lay health knowledge. Public health structures and services in the UK should make better use of all forms of LPHW knowledge, and should seek from LPHWs training on how to engage the most 'hard-to-reach' or 'difficult-to-engage' groups. Services recruiting LPHWs should decide whether they are seeking embodied insider LPHW knowledge, experiential incomer LPHW knowledge or a mixture of both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Yoeli
- Volunteer lecturer in Qualitative Research Methods, Qualitative Research Methods, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mima Cattan
- Professor Emeritus of Public Health & Wellbeing (Knowledge Translation), Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Impact and acceptability of lay health trainer-led lifestyle interventions delivered in primary care: a mixed method study. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2017; 18:333-343. [DOI: 10.1017/s146342361700010x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AimTo evaluate the impact and acceptability of offering one-to-one lifestyle interventions delivered by lay health trainers in the primary care setting.BackgroundChronic conditions represent major causes of ill-health, avoidable disability, pain and anxiety, and tend to be more prevalent in less affluent groups. This is due, in part, to the link between unhealthy lifestyles and lower socio-economic status, although factors such as poverty, worklessness and social exclusion play a larger role. Lay health trainers were introduced in England with the aim of providing personalised lifestyle advice, support and access to services for people living in disadvantaged areas. There is a body of literature on the effectiveness of lay or community health workers in the management of chronic conditions. However, little is known about their potential to promote lifestyle changes in newly diagnosed patients. An innovative health trainer service was piloted in the primary care setting, to work with people diagnosed with a chronic condition or identified as potentially benefitting from one-to-one support.MethodsA mixed method study design was utilised. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with practice staff (n=11) and patients (n=15) from one primary care practice in North East England, United Kingdom. Discussions were audio-recorded and analysed using a thematic content approach. Routinely collected pre-/post-intervention data (n=246 patients at baseline; sample sizes varied at end line) were analysed and appropriate descriptive and summary statistics produced.FindingsThe discussions highlighted a high level of satisfaction with the health trainer model in terms of supporting positive lifestyle changes. Locating the intervention within the practice removed access barriers, particularly for those with long-term conditions. Anecdotal evidence of health improvement was supported by the quantitative analyses, which revealed statistically significant improvements in body mass index, blood pressure, dietary habits, exercise levels, alcohol intake, self-rated health and self-efficacy amongst those who completed the intervention.
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Stenberg N, Furness PJ. Living Well With a Long-Term Condition: Service Users' Perspectives of a Self-Management Intervention. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2017; 27:547-558. [PMID: 26873998 DOI: 10.1177/1049732316628834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The outcomes of self-management interventions are commonly assessed using quantitative measurement tools, and few studies ask people with long-term conditions to explain, in their own words, what aspects of the intervention they valued. In this Grounded Theory study, a Health Trainers service in the north of England was evaluated based on interviews with eight service-users. Open, focused, and theoretical coding led to the development of a preliminary model explaining participants' experiences and perceived impact of the service. The model reflects the findings that living well with a long-term condition encompassed social connectedness, changed identities, acceptance, and self-care. Health trainers performed four related roles that were perceived to contribute to these outcomes: conceptualizer, connector, coach, and champion. The evaluation contributes a grounded theoretical understanding of a personalized self-management intervention that emphasizes the benefits of a holistic approach to enable cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and social adjustments.
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Mathers J, Taylor R, Parry J. The challenge of implementing peer-led interventions in a professionalized health service: a case study of the national health trainers service in England. Milbank Q 2015; 92:725-53. [PMID: 25492602 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Policy Points: In 2004, England's National Health Service introduced health trainer services to help individuals adopt healthier lifestyles and to redress national health inequalities. Over time these anticipated community-focused services became more NHS-focused, delivering "downstream" lifestyle interventions. At the same time, individuals' lifestyle choices were abstracted from the wider social determinants of health and the potential to address inequalities was diminished. While different service models are needed to engage hard-to-reach populations, the long-term sustainability of any new service model depends on its aligning with the established medical system's characteristics. CONTEXT In 2004, the English Public Health White Paper Choosing Health introduced "health trainers" as new members of the National Health Service (NHS) workforce. Health trainers would offer one-to-one peer-support to anyone who wished to adopt and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Choosing Health implicitly envisaged health trainers working in community settings in order to engage "hard-to-reach" individuals and other groups who often have the poorest health but who engage the least with traditional health promotion and other NHS services. METHODS During longitudinal case studies of 6 local health trainer services, we conducted in-depth interviews with key stakeholders and analyzed service activity data. FINDINGS Rather than an unproblematic and stable implementation of community-focused services according to the vision in Choosing Health, we observed substantial shifts in the case studies' configuration and delivery as the services embedded themselves in the local NHS systems. To explain these observations, we drew on a recently proposed conceptual framework to examine and understand the adoption and diffusion of innovations in health care systems. CONCLUSIONS The health trainer services have become more "medicalized" over time, and in doing so, the original theory underpinning the program has been threatened. The paradox is that policymakers and practitioners recognize the need to have a different service model for traditional NHS services if they want hard-to-reach populations to engage in preventive actions as a first step to redress health inequalities. The long-term sustainability of any new service model, however, depends on its aligning with the established medical system's (ie, the NHS's) characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Mathers
- School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham
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Harris J, Springett J, Croot L, Booth A, Campbell F, Thompson J, Goyder E, Van Cleemput P, Wilkins E, Yang Y. Can community-based peer support promote health literacy and reduce inequalities? A realist review. PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH 2015. [DOI: 10.3310/phr03030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundCommunity-based peer support (CBPS) has been proposed as a potentially promising approach to improve health literacy (HL) and reduce health inequalities. Peer support, however, is described as a public health intervention in search of a theory, and as yet there are no systematic reviews exploring why or how peer support works to improve HL.ObjectiveTo undertake a participatory realist synthesis to develop a better understanding of the potential for CBPS to promote better HL and reduce health inequalities.Data sourcesQualitative evidence syntheses, conceptual reviews and primary studies evaluating peer-support programmes; related studies that informed theoretical or contextual elements of the studies of interest were included. We conducted searches covering 1975 to October 2011 across Scopus, Global Health (including MEDLINE), ProQuest Dissertations & Theses database (PQDT) [including the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) and Social Work Abstracts], The King’s Fund Database and Web of Knowledge, and the Institute of Development Studies supplementary strategies were used for the identification of grey literature. We developed a new approach to searching called ‘cluster searching’, which uses a variety of search techniques to identify papers or other research outputs that relate to a single study.Study eligibility criteriaStudies written in English describing CBPS research/evaluation, and related papers describing theory, were included.Study appraisal and synthesis methodsStudies were selected on the basis of relevance in the first instance. We first analysed within-programme articulation of theory and appraised for coherence. Cross-programme analysis was used to configure relationships among context, mechanisms and outcomes. Patterns were then identified and compared with theories relevant to HL and health inequalities to produce a middle-range theory.ResultsThe synthesis indicated that organisations, researchers and health professionals that adopt an authoritarian design for peer-support programmes risk limiting the ability of peer supporters (PSs) to exercise autonomy and use their experiential knowledge to deliver culturally tailored support. Conversely, when organisations take a negotiated approach to codesigning programmes, PSs are enabled to establish meaningful relationships with people in socially vulnerable groups. CBPS is facilitated when organisations prioritise the importance of assessing community needs; investigate root causes of poor health and well-being; allow adequate time for development of relationships and connections; value experiential cultural knowledge; and share power and control during all stages of design and implementation. The theory now needs to be empirically tested via further primary research.LimitationsAnalysis and synthesis were challenged by a lack of explicit links between peer support for marginalised groups and health inequalities; explicitly stated programme theory; inconsistent reporting of context and mechanism; poor reporting of intermediate process outcomes; and the use of theories aimed at individual-level behaviour change for community-based interventions.ConclusionsPeer-support programmes have the potential to improve HL and reduce health inequalities but potential is dependent upon the surrounding equity context. More explicit empirical research is needed, which establishes clearer links between peer-supported HL and health inequalities.Study registrationThis study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42012002297.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Public Health Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Harris
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jane Springett
- Centre for Health Promotion Studies, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Liz Croot
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Andrew Booth
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Fiona Campbell
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jill Thompson
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Elizabeth Goyder
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Patrice Van Cleemput
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Emma Wilkins
- Centre for Health Promotion Studies, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Yajing Yang
- Centre for Health Promotion Studies, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Goodall M, Barton GR, Bower P, Byrne P, Cade JE, Capewell S, Cleghorn CL, Kennedy LA, Martindale AM, Roberts C, Woolf S, Gabbay MB. Food for thought: pilot randomized controlled trial of lay health trainers supporting dietary change to reduce cardiovascular disease in deprived communities. J Public Health (Oxf) 2014; 36:635-43. [PMID: 24277778 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdt112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for 30% of UK deaths. It is associated with modifiable lifestyle factors, including insufficient consumption of fruit and vegetables (F&V). Lay health trainers (LHTs) offer practical support to help people develop healthier behaviour and lifestyles. Our two-group pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated the effectiveness of LHTs at promoting a heart-healthy lifestyle among adults with at least one risk factor for CVD to inform a full-scale RCT. METHODS Eligible adults (aged 21-78 years), recruited from five practices serving deprived populations, were randomized to health information leaflets plus LHTs' support for 3 months (n = 76) versus health information leaflets alone (n = 38). RESULTS We recruited 114 participants, with 60% completing 6 month follow-up. Both groups increased their self-reported F&V consumption and we found no evidence for LHTs' support having significant added impact. Most participants were relatively less deprived, as were the LHTs we were able to recruit and train. CONCLUSIONS Our pilot demonstrated that an LHT's RCT whilst feasible faces considerable challenges. However, to justify growing investment in LHTs, any behaviour changes and sustained impact on those at greatest need should be demonstrated in an independently evaluated, robust, fully powered RCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Goodall
- Department of Health Services Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GL, UK
| | - G R Barton
- Health Economics Group, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - P Bower
- Centre for Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - P Byrne
- Department of Health Services Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GL, UK
| | - J E Cade
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - S Capewell
- Department of Public Health ND Policy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK
| | - C L Cleghorn
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - L A Kennedy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ, UK
| | - A M Martindale
- Department of Health Services Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GL, UK
| | - C Roberts
- Health Sciences Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - S Woolf
- Department of Health Services Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GL, UK
| | - M B Gabbay
- Department of Health Services Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GL, UK
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Visram S, Clarke C, White M. Making and maintaining lifestyle changes with the support of a lay health advisor: longitudinal qualitative study of health trainer services in northern England. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94749. [PMID: 24801173 PMCID: PMC4011706 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore and document the experiences of those receiving support from a lay health trainer, in order to inform the optimisation and evaluation of such interventions. Design Longitudinal qualitative study with up to four serial interviews conducted over 12 months. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using the constant comparative approach associated with grounded theory. Participants 13 health trainers, 5 managers and 26 clients. Setting Three health trainer services targeting disadvantaged communities in northern England. Results The final dataset comprised 116 interviews (88 with clients and 28 with staff). Discussions with health trainers and managers revealed a high degree of heterogeneity between the local services in terms of their primary aims and activities. However, these were found to converge over time. There was agreement that health trainer interventions are generally ‘person-centred’ in terms of being tailored to the needs of individual clients. This led to a range of self-reported outcomes, including behaviour changes, physical health improvements and increased social activity. Factors impacting on the maintenance of lifestyle changes included the cost and timing of health-promoting activities, ill-health or low mood. Participants perceived a need for ongoing access to low cost facilities to ensure that any lifestyle changes can be maintained in the longer term. Conclusions Health trainers may be successful in terms of supporting people from socio-economically disadvantaged communities to make positive lifestyle changes, as well as achieving other health-related outcomes. This is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach; commissioners and providers should select the intervention models that best meet the needs of their local populations. By delivering holistic interventions that address multiple lifestyle risks and incorporate relapse prevention strategies, health trainers could potentially have a significant impact on health inequalities. However, rigorous, formal outcome and economic evaluation of the range of health trainer delivery models is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelina Visram
- Centre for Public Policy and Health, Durham University, Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom
- Fuse (UKCRC Centre for Translational Research in Public Health), Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Charlotte Clarke
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Martin White
- Fuse (UKCRC Centre for Translational Research in Public Health), Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
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Dooris M, McArt D, Hurley MA, Baybutt M. Probation as a setting for building well-being through integrated service provision: evaluating an Offender Health Trainer service. Perspect Public Health 2013; 133:199-206. [DOI: 10.1177/1757913913486036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The NHS Health Trainer Programme was launched in England and Wales in 2005 with the aim of tackling health inequalities. While initially focusing on geographical communities, the initiative has extended its reach to particular population groups, such as offenders and their families, who experience high levels of physical and mental health needs and wider social exclusion. This paper reports on the evaluation of the Offender Health Trainer service delivered in probation settings in Bury, Rochdale and Oldham (Greater Manchester). This service has sought to improve the health of offenders, improve their access to mainstream services, and help reduce health inequalities – as well as facilitate rehabilitation and improve job prospects for ex-offenders through employment as health trainers. Aims: This evaluative research study aimed to explore the delivery of the Offender Health Trainer service and examine its impact on service users. The study design and limited time frame meant that the research was focused on the journeys of service users rather than on long-term outcomes. Methods: The evaluation used a mixed-methods approach, comprising two key elements: the interrogation and analysis of routinely collected quantitative data extracted from the National Health Trainer Data Collection Recording System (DCRS); and in-depth qualitative research using interviews and focus groups with clients and health trainers. Results: The evaluation points to the overall success of the service in meeting its aims and impacting positively on the lives of offenders. It reveals promising trends in behaviour change and self-perceived health and well-being, articulating a rich narrative detailing how the service has helped probation clients tackle multiple interwoven problems and build hope and self-belief. Of particular importance was the health trainers’ experience of the criminal justice system, which resonated with and inspired clients, developing trust and motivation to change. Conclusions: While the research inevitably had limitations, this study suggests that the health trainer model can be effectively implemented within the probation setting, making a valuable contribution to the improvement of offenders’ health and well-being by working in ways that acknowledge the connections between personal lifestyle and wider determinants of health. Within the context of forthcoming probation reforms, it will be increasingly important to develop services that highlight these links and to invest in appropriate evaluation that can generate further learning about ‘what works and why’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Dooris
- Director, Healthy Settings Unit / Professor in Health and Sustainability, School of Health, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Dervla McArt
- Research and Evaluation Unit, Greater Manchester Probation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Michelle Baybutt
- Healthy Settings Unit, School of Health, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
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Gardner B, Cane J, Rumsey N, Michie S. Behaviour change among overweight and socially disadvantaged adults: A longitudinal study of the NHS Health Trainer Service. Psychol Health 2012; 27:1178-93. [DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2011.652112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Cook T, Wills J. Engaging with marginalized communities: the experiences of London health trainers. Perspect Public Health 2011; 132:221-7. [PMID: 22991369 DOI: 10.1177/1757913910393864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Health trainers represent a new occupational role within the NHS which has been developing since 2006, when the first 'early adopter' sites were funded by the Department of Health. Health trainers are 'lay' people recruited to engage 'harder-to-reach' people from their communities, offering one-to-one support to enable them to make the healthy lifestyle changes of their choice. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and approaches adopted by health trainers in engaging with marginalized communities. METHODS This paper describes an exploratory study using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 10 currently employed health trainers with diverse backgrounds, forms of employment and interpretation of role, drawn from seven London primary care trusts (PCTs) or boroughs. RESULTS The study found tensions between the lay identity of health trainers and their adoption of a formalized role. Health trainers emphasized their similarities but underestimated their often significant differences to their communities. Health trainers based in community or voluntary groups found engagement easier than those based in PCTs, and saw engagement as an end in itself, through its creation of opportunities for health. CONCLUSIONS There remains a lack of clarity about the role of the health trainer. Lay workers are not necessarily part of the marginalized communities they are expected to engage, while their ability to do so is compromised by the professional culture of the NHS and its approach to community engagement. Health trainers based in the community or voluntary sector appear to offer greater potential for engaging communities and providing those communities with practical opportunities for health gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Cook
- Bromley Primary Care Trust, Beckenham, UK
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