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Health and healthcare use of homeless population: Evaluation study of joint social work and healthcare provision

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Homelessness as an extreme form of poverty perpetuates and exacerbates health inequalities. People experiencing homelessness face a mortality rate 10 times higher than that of the general population, with an average age of death at 45. There is a significant disconnect between the mainstream healthcare system and the specific health needs of people experiencing homelessness, leading to substantial human and economic costs. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this evaluation study is to assess the impact of an intervention in nurse-led healthcare outreach services to people experiencing homelessness on their utilization of healthcare services. DESIGN: This study is a part of research program aimed at assuring health equity of most vulnerable members of a society. Detailed understanding of barriers to care is a necessary precondition for improvements in healthcare use. DATA: The study analyzes data on hospitalization and emergency department visits by people experiencing homelessness across three cities in Czechia from 2014 to 2021. METHODS: A quantitative difference-in-differences approach is complemented by insights from field studies in these three cities. RESULTS: The intervention in people experiencing homelessness outreach led to a reduction in both hospital admissions and the emergency visits by people experiencing homelessness, alleviating pressure on health service capacity and reducing associated healthcare costs. Enhanced primary nurse-led healthcare outreach, along with cross-sectoral integration and activation, has lowered the barriers to accessing essential healthcare services. CONCLUSION: A pivotal policy outcome of this study is the establishment of an insurance provision that allows medical doctors to claim additional costs incurred in treating people experiencing homelessness from a public insurance system.

Source: International Journal of Nursing Studies

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104929

Authors: Martin Šimon, Barbora Latečková, Oto Potluka

Institutions: Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Sociology, Charles University, Prague University of Economics and Business

Language: English

Topic: Homelessness and Social Issues

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, No poverty, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,820