Community Health Worker Program Linked to Reduced Hospital Stays, Increased Primary Care Use, Study Finds

PHILADELPHIA, PA – A program utilizing community health workers (CHWs) to provide personalized support remotely has been associated with a significant decrease in hospitalizations and an increase in primary care usage among low-income adults, according to a study published online on April 11, 2025, in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

The research evaluated the Individualized Management for Patient-Centered Targets (IMPaCT) program within an integrated healthcare system in Oregon. IMPaCT, a standardized intervention delivered by CHWs, had previously shown positive results in other healthcare settings. This study specifically examined its effectiveness when implemented largely through remote communication, a necessity driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Between July 2020 and July 2021, researchers enrolled 1230 adults from low-income areas. Participants were randomly assigned either to a group receiving the usual standard of care (410 people) or to the IMPaCT intervention group (820 people). The intervention involved nine CHWs, managed by a dedicated team, who conducted in-depth interviews to understand participants’ social needs and health goals. Over three months, these CHWs provided weekly coaching and support, primarily via phone or other remote methods, and delivered food boxes when needed.

The study focused on healthcare utilization in the six months following enrollment. Key outcomes measured included total hospital days and emergency department (ED) visits per 1000 participants per month, as well as the percentage of patients completing at least one primary care visit.

Key Findings:

• Reduced Hospitalizations: Compared to the usual care group, participants in the IMPaCT program experienced a significant relative reduction in hospital stays, equating to 172.3 fewer hospital days per 1000 members per month.
• Increased Primary Care Engagement: Six months after enrollment, a notably higher proportion of patients in the intervention group had attended at least one primary care visit (85.7%) compared to the usual care group (79.5%).
• No Change in ED Visits: The study found no significant difference in the number of emergency department visits between the two groups.

Researchers reported that the intervention was implemented effectively (with high fidelity), has been successfully maintained for three years post-study, and even expanded to other clinical locations within the health system.

“Our findings suggest that standardized CHW interventions may be able to achieve significant reductions in acute care utilization across a wide range of health systems and care settings, even when delivered remotely,” wrote the study authors, led by Dr. Aditi Vasan of the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

The study did note some limitations, including baseline differences in demographics and prior healthcare use between the intervention and control groups. Furthermore, the frequency of CHW-patient interactions and patient satisfaction with the remote intervention were not specifically measured.

The program evaluation was funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on findings from a specific research study published in a medical journal. The information presented is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your¹ health or treatment.