Clinical and Economic Impact of Community Health Workers within Student-Led Clinics

Title: Clinical and Economic Impact of Community Health Workers within Student-Led Clinics
Authors: Brandon Wilde, Samantha Davies, Gokul Hariprasad, Chance Mccutcheon, Sean Batenhorst
Date: 1/27/2025
Abstract: Student-led clinics (SLCs) at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine (SFESOM) exemplify an innovative approach to healthcare delivery and medical education. Central to their success is the integration of Community Health Workers (CHWs), whose involvement yields significant financial and health benefits for patients. By bridging gaps in care, CHWs empower underserved populations to navigate the healthcare system, leading to improved management of chronic conditions, decreased emergency room visits, and reduced healthcare costs. These outcomes mirror those found in broader research on CHW impact, underscoring their effectiveness even within the student-led clinic model. In SFESOM’s student-led clinics, CHWs are instrumental in delivering care that is both patient-centered and cost-effective. Similar to findings in national studies, CHWs contribute to reducing health disparities and fostering continuity of care. Their work complements the efforts of medical students and faculty, demonstrating that CHWs in student-led environments can replicate—and even amplify—the documented financial and health benefits seen in larger-scale implementations. This model aligns seamlessly with SFESOM’s mission to enhance community health while advancing cultural competence among medical trainees. By collaborating with CHWs, medical students gain firsthand experience addressing social determinants of health and providing culturally sensitive care. These experiences prepare future physicians to work effectively in diverse communities, reinforcing SFESOM’s commitment to equity and excellence in healthcare delivery. In summary, our findings are consistent with what has been previously established in the literature and support the incorporation of CHWs in SFESOM’s student-led clinics to further expound upon this transformative approach to care that not only benefits patients but supports student learning and upholds the institution’s mission to improve community health outcomes.

Copyright: Academy of Health Sciences Educators ©2025

Return to Table of Contents: 3rd Annual Student-Led Clinic Symposium

Clinical and Economic Impact of Community Health Workers within Student-Led Clinics by Brandon Wilde, Sean Batenhorst, J. B. Eyring, Samantha Davies, Gokul Hariprasad, Chance McCutcheon, Glen Schmidt & Sue Sundar