In 1997, Puget Sound Education Service District (PSESD) Head Start launched a Peer Health Education Program in the Seattle area. The Peer Educators are Head Start parents who are trained to teach other parents how to navigate health care systems and advocate for their families’ health.
To become a Peer Health Educator, parents must complete a 12-hour training in which they learn how to partner with doctors and navigate through the managed care system. They learn how to use the Healthwise Handbook, a self-care manual describing over 180 different health care problems and their treatment. Advice about when to call a doctor is included. Many local organizations use the Handbook in their health education programs.
The Peer Health Education Program focuses on specific topics. Oral health and the prevention of tooth decay were emphasized last year; asthma education will be the next topic. Parents and health professionals serve on a Peer Health Advisory subcommittee that provides guidance and supports the program’s efforts.
The Teachback
The Peer Health Educators teachback to other Head Start parents what they have learned. The Educators are given a training “script” to follow but are encouraged to add their own personal touches. These teachback sessions take place at parent meetings, health fairs, and end-of-the-year celebrations. They vary from a one-hour group meeting to a shorter one-on-one session. Each parent who attends a teachback receives a Healthwise Handbook, which is a contribution to the local Head Start programs.
Other teachback activities include—
- “Ask the Doctor Checklist.” Parents learn how to use a tool to help them prepare for doctor visits. They are encouraged to write down their questions.
- First aid kits. Parents learn about home safety and make kits to keep on hand.
- Health care record keeping. Parents learn about how to keep and store information from children’s medical appointments over the years. This task is important when families move, and medical records are difficult to transfer.
Materials are available in Spanish. Teachbacks are conducted in different languages.
Benefits of the Peer Health Educators Program
The program is a great success and continues to grow. During 2000-2001, 22 Peer Health Educators were trained; they offered nearly 50 teachbacks. They distributed over 700 Healthwise Handbooks to families. The Peer Educators note how the program has made a difference in their own lives:
- “Giving me more confidence in myself.”
- “Decreasing my visits to the emergency room.”
- “Showing me what I really love to do—teach others.”
The Future of the Program
The Peer Health Education program was funded by the Maternal & Child Health Bureau’s Healthy Tomorrow program. The grant will end in 2002. However, the program has been well integrated with other Head Start health services so that training for the Peer Health Educators will continue.
Programs do not need special funding to implement peer health activities. The PSESD Head Start staff offers these tips for starters—
- Involve parents, staff, and the Health Services Advisory Committee in planning and implementing peer health education.
- Teach parents to teach other parents about health advocacy and navigating health systems. Specific information about diagnoses, treatment, and medication are best left to health professionals.
- Use Peer Health Educators to offer health information to families who have limited English proficiency.
Peer health education is an effective way to increase the knowledge and advocacy of Head Start parents around health matters. Why not consider beginning such an initiative in your program?
Shannon Blas is the Peer Health Manager for the Puget Sound Educational Service District Head Start.
