A CADRE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS IN MYSURU ON A MISSION TO CHANGE THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION- INITIATIVE TO STRENGTHEN NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NCD) CONTINUUM OF CARE BY KARNATAKA HEALTH PROMOTION TRUST (KHPT)
First, the people of Kumbarakoppalu UPHC area were screened for Diabetes and Hypertension.People confirmed with Diabetes and Hypertension were enrolled for our services.At the heart of this project is a team of dynamic Community Health Workers (CHWs) who provide patient-centric care to vulnerable populations having Diabetes and Hypertension.The CHWs then become the first points for the patients. Apart from providing various services related to Diabetes and Hypertension, through home visits; they also monitor the BP and Glucose levels of the patients regularly in their circle.In addition, theylisten to their problems and help them find solutions to their woes.They are trained on core competencies pertaining torisk and vulnerability assessment,patient- centric customised outreach and conducting Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) activities.A nifty app has been developed to help CHWs to enter all patient details,risk and vulnerability assessment,robust outreach, Behaviour Change Communication and mental health screening as well as mobilisation activities.CHWs actively engage in Behaviour Change Communication activities to promote positive health seeking behaviors among patients.Conducting Community Support Group (CSG) meetings is one of the important roles of a CHW. A CSG is an informal platform where patients, caregivers, and any other interested members from the area come together for meetings to discuss both health and non-health issues.Testing camps are conducted for regular follow-up tests. These are conducted near the patients’ locality which helps them to save the out-of-pocket expenditure and time.The technology platform helps CHWs and the project in planning, implementing and monitoring and evaluation for evidence based decision-making.Impact 1,694 Patients Retained in care 21 CHWs trained on various aspects related to the project 41 Community Support Groups have been formed with 614 patients 71% of the patients are regularly attending CGS meetings.” The trainings were a blessing and now I communicate better with my patients confidently. I am proud to be a CHW.”
From being shy to a confident people’s person, Nagaratna, a CHW has come a long way. As a CHW she received many pieces of training to improve her communication skills. This has helped her to interact with the patients effectively. “The training was a blessing and now I can communicate better with my patients confidently. I am proud to be a CHW.”
“The CHWs also supported me in building my confidence and very soon my BP levels will become normal.”
One of our community members, Ravi, had a fall and then his life took a U-turn. Unable to get his BP checked at a local clinic, he was worried. But help was not far away; a CHW started visiting his house and checked his BP levels regularly.
