EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES IN DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PEER SUPPORT AND HEALTH WORKER MODELS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34011/icihcce.v7i1.345Keywords:
type 2 diabetes, , peer support, community health workers, interprofessional collaboration, diabetes self-managementAbstract
Abstract Background: The global rise of Type 2 Diabetes requires innovative support strategies beyond clinical settings. Peer support and Community Health Worker (CHW) models represent promising approaches, though their distinct roles and integration within healthcare frameworks need clarification. Objectives: This review synthesizes evidence on the effectiveness of peer and CHW models in improving diabetes self-care and glycemic control, comparing their training, roles, and implementation within an Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC) framework. Results: Evidence confirms both models effectively improve outcomes through complementary mechanisms. Peer support, grounded in lived experience, excels in providing emotional support and sustaining long-term glycemic and blood pressure control. CHWs, leveraging formal training, are pivotal in patient education, care coordination, and system navigation. Integration within IPC teams maximizes their effectiveness by bridging clinic and community care and enhancing patient-centered approaches through patient-reported outcomes. Sustainable implementation requires recruiting peers from program graduates, comprehensive CHW training, supportive supervision, and sustainable funding models. Conclusion: Peer support and CHW models offer complementary strategies for empowering communities in diabetes self-management. Healthcare systems should formalize these roles within IPC teams, while policymakers secure sustainable funding. Future research should focus on direct comparisons and long-term outcomes across diverse populations. Keywords: type 2 diabetes, peer support, community health workers, interprofessional collaboration, diabetes self-management.References
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