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Extreme Affordability is a regional conference hosted by the University of Utah to develop a clear and undisputed rally point for those redesigning the systems and processes by which we deliver value in health care. The University of Utah is pleased to announce the Extreme Affordability Conference: Disrupting Barriers to Strengthen Global Health. The University of Utah has a history of Global Health work addressing the systems and processes by which we deliver health care, and focusing on how to make changes that will increase access, quality, and equitability. We envision a world where the highest standards of health are accessible and affordable for everyone. We welcome medical practitioners, policymakers, professionals, investors, technologists, students and businesses to join us to infuse the problem-solving environment with innovative spirit and renewed energy. |
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Show Challenges and Successes of a Perinatal Community Health Worker Program for Pregnant Somali and S. Sudanese Refugee Women Aster Tecle, PhD1, Adhal Awan, BSW1, Sabrina Mohamed2, Jane Dyer, CNM, PhD, FACNM2 Key Findings: Challenges included the recruitment, training, and retention of PCHWs from within the refugee communities, as well as accessing pregnant refugee women to provide services. Successes included retention of PCHWs, their progression on to higher education, and refugee women's satisfaction with PCHW services. Perinatal outcomes examined were affected by other variables including adherence to primary culture, language, transportation, and finances. Background • Many refugees from Somalia and South Sudan are resettled in U.S. metropolitan areas. Pregnant African refugee women are often isolated and must interface with an unfamiliar healthcare system. Pregnancy outcomes are poorer than other U.S. women. • Community Health Workers (CHWs) are workers who assist individuals and communities to adopt healthy behaviors, conduct outreach and advocate for them. CHWs have had positive impacts on health around the globe and in North America. However, their work with refugee women in resettlement countries has been limited. Objectives • Recruit and educate Perinatal Community Health Workers (PCHWs) from within the Somali and S. Sudanese communities, expose them to higher education opportunities and encouraged to pursue them. • Provide support, information, and cultural liaison services to pregnant Somali and S. Sudanese women. Results Funded by the Belle S. Spafford Endowed Chair, College of Social Work, University of Utah Challenges: • Recruitment, training, and retention of PCHWs • Accessing pregnant women in the communities even for PCHWs from within the same community. Successes • Retention of PCHWs and their progression on to higher education. • Women reported increased understanding of western pregnancy care. Perinatal outcomes of attendance at prenatal visits, adherence to medical advice, and satisfaction with PCHW services were affected by other variables including adherence to primary culture, language, transportation, and finances. Dissemination Lessons learned have been shared with healthcare systems and public service agencies to create system change. The State Department of Health has established an education and credentialing program for CHWs, supporting the incorporation of this pilot into a larger program. College of Social Work, University of Utah 2 College of Nursing, University of Utah 1 |
