Authors

  1. Alvarez, Carmen PhD, CRNP
  2. Ibe, Chidinma PhD
  3. Dietz, Katie MPH
  4. Carrero, Nicolas Dominguez AS
  5. Avornu, Gideon MS
  6. Turkson-Ocran, Ruth-Alma MPH, MSN
  7. Bhattarai, Jagriti PhD
  8. Crews, Deidra MD, ScM
  9. Lipman, Paula Darby PhD
  10. Cooper, Lisa A. MD, MPH
  11. the RICH LIFE Project Investigators

Abstract

The use of nurse care managers (CMs) and community health workers (CHWs) has demonstrated effectiveness in supporting improved blood pressure management among racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically minoritized populations. We partnered with a community advisory board (CAB) to develop a CM and CHW training curriculum and team-based collaborative care intervention to address uncontrolled hypertension. The objective of this study was to train CMs and CHWs to implement patient-centered techniques and address social determinants of health related to hypertension control. In partnership with a CAB, we developed and implemented a training curriculum for the CM/CHW collaborative care team. The training improved CM and CHW confidence in their ability to address medical and nonmedical issues that contribute to uncontrolled hypertension in their patients; however, preexisting norms and beliefs among CMs and CHWs created challenges with teamwork. The training curriculum was feasible and well-received. Additionally, the CMs' and CHWs' reactions provided insights to improve future collaborative care training and teamwork.