Developing a Model to Promote Health and Recovery after Medical Hospitalizations: Community Health Workers Teamed with Peer Specialists

Study Overview 

This study integrated a proven strategy used in general medical care (community health workers) with mental health peer-delivered services in a new intervention delivered by pairs of CHWs and CPSs to patients with co-occurring mental and physical health conditions who were hospitalized for medical conditions. The intervention was delivered at the time of inpatient treatment for a medical condition and subsequent discharge from inpatient care to the community. It was intended to prevent 30-day readmissions, and to enhance the health, mental health, and independent living of service recipients.

Study Partners

University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System
The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System served as the setting for this study. UI Health consists of several facilities, including a 495-bed hospital (UIC Hospital), outpatient clinics, and 12 federally qualified health center clinics.

Mile Square Health Center
Mile Square is a federally-qualified health center that serves patients on Chicago’s west- and south-sides. Mile Square patients with mental illnesses who were hospitalized at the UIC Hospital for a medical condition were approached to voluntarily participate in the study.  

Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey
The Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ) is a mental health peer-led organization that promotes responsibility, recovery, and wellness through the provision of community wellness centers, supportive and respite housing, human rights advocacy, and educational and innovative programs. CSPNJ staff served on the study’s participatory workgroup to help design the intervention. 

Chicago CHW Connect
The Chicago CHW Connect is comprised of community health workers from across the city of Chicago. Their staff served on the study’s participatory workgroup to help design the intervention. 
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