Which CHW activity is most characteristic of their role?

• A. Ordering medications
• B. Referrals and direct services
• C. Hospital rounds
• D. Scheduling surgeries

Answer: (B)

The most important idea here is that CHWs are mainly bridges between the community and the health system, focused on helping people access care. The activity that fits this role best is referrals and direct services in the community. A CHW routinely connects clients to clinics, programs, or social supports and helps them navigate the steps to get care—explaining options, coordinating appointments, and following up to ensure they actually receive services. This hands-on help in linking people to care is central to what CHWs do.

Ordering medications is outside their scope, since prescribing is a clinician duty. Hospital rounds and scheduling surgeries are tasks done within hospital teams and involve clinical or administrative professionals. So while CHWs may support clients in navigating these systems, the core characteristic activity remains connecting people to care through referrals and direct services.