Community Health Worker Models Integrating Nursing and Social Work Perspectives: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: As global healthcare systems grapple with aging populations and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, the integration of Community Health Workers (CHWs) has emerged as a vital strategy for bridging gaps in care. However, CHW programs often operate in silos—either clinical or social. This systematic review explores integrated CHW models that synthesize nursing (clinical) perspectives with social work (psychosocial) perspectives to improve holistic patient outcomes.

Objectives: The primary goal of this review was to identify, evaluate, and synthesize existing literature on CHW models that formally incorporate dual oversight or collaborative frameworks from both nursing and social work disciplines. We examined the impact of these integrated models on healthcare utilization, patient self-management, and social determinants of health (SDOH).

Methods: A systematic search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library) for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies detailing CHW interventions where nurses and social workers played active roles in supervision, training, or direct collaborative care delivery.

Results: Out of 842 records, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria, identifying three primary integration models: the Triad Model featuring joint nurse-social worker supervision, the Clinical-Social Liaison Model balancing clinical adherence with social referrals, and the Integrated Case Management Model where CHWs are embedded in multidisciplinary teams to execute unified care plans.

Conclusions: Integrating nursing and social work perspectives into CHW models creates a more resilient and comprehensive primary care infrastructure. By addressing the "whole person," these models effectively mitigate the impact of social determinants on clinical outcomes. Future research should focus on the long-term cost-effectiveness and standardized training curricula for CHWs operating within these interdisciplinary frameworks.