Abstract
A systematic review was conducted to categorize and describe Intervention Models involving community health workers (CHWs) that aim to improve case management of sick children at the household and community levels. The review focused on management of children with signs of malaria or pneumonia. Seven Intervention Models were identified, and classified according to: (1) the role of CHWs and families in assessment and treatment of children, (2) system of referral to the nearest health facility (verbal or facilitated), and (3) the location in the community of the drug stock. Standardization of terminology for Intervention Models using this or a similar classification could facilitate comparison and selection of models, including deciding how to modify programmes when policies change concerning first-line drugs, and setting priorities for further research. Of the seven models, that of CHW pneumonia case management (Model 6) has the strongest evidence for an impact on mortality. Pneumonia case management by CHWs is a child health intervention that warrants considerably more attention, particularly in Africa and South Asia.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 199-212 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Health policy and planning |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2005 |
Keywords
- Acute respiratory infections (ARI)
- Childhood illnesses
- Community case management
- Community health worker (CHW)
- Household and community Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI)
- Malaria
- Pneumonia
- Referral
- Under-five mortality
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health Policy