What should a CHW include in a follow-up plan after a referral?

• A. A detailed medical appointment schedule.
• B. A general note without action items.
• C. Clear next steps, contact information, and timelines.
• D. A brief reminder to check back.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is to create a clear, actionable plan after a referral so the client knows exactly what comes next and how to get help. Including clear next steps, direct contact information, and timelines gives the client concrete actions to take, who to reach if they have questions or issues, and by when those steps should happen. This supports accountability, reduces confusion, and helps ensure the referral leads to actual follow-through and coordinated care.

A detailed medical appointment schedule alone can be rigid and may not show who to contact for questions or what to do before or after the appointment. A general note without action items leaves the client without specific guidance. A brief reminder to check back is too vague to be useful. The best choice combines what to do next, who to contact, and when these steps should occur.