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Hodwitz K, Ginocchio GF, Fedorovsky T, Girdler H, Bossin B, Juando-Prats C, Dell E, Somers A, Hulme J. Healthcare workers' perspectives on a prescription phone program to meet the health equity needs of patients in the emergency department: a qualitative study. CAN J EMERG MED 2024:10.1007/s43678-024-00735-y. [PMID: 38951473 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-024-00735-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES People experiencing homelessness and marginalization face considerable barriers to accessing healthcare services. Increased reliance on technology within healthcare has exacerbated these inequities. We evaluated a hospital-based prescription phone program aimed to reduce digital health inequities and improve access to services among marginalized patients in Emergency Departments. We examined the perceived outcomes of the program and the contextual barriers and facilitators affecting outcomes. METHODS We conducted a constructivist qualitative program evaluation at two urban, academic hospitals in Toronto, Ontario. We interviewed 12 healthcare workers about their perspectives on program implementation and outcomes and analyzed the interview data using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Our analyses generated five interrelated program outcomes: building trust with patients, facilitating independence in healthcare, bridging sectors of care, enabling equitable care for marginalized populations, and mitigating moral distress among healthcare workers. Participants expressed that phone provision is critical for adequately serving patients who face barriers to accessing health and social services, and for supporting healthcare workers who often lack resources to adequately serve these patients. We identified key contextual enablers and challenges that may influence program outcomes and future implementation efforts. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that providing phones to marginalized patient populations may address digital and social health inequities; however, building trusting relationships with patients, understanding the unique needs of these populations, and operating within a biopsychosocial model of health are key to program success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Hodwitz
- Applied Health Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Galo F Ginocchio
- Einstein Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tali Fedorovsky
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hannah Girdler
- Centre for Global Equity in Emergency Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brielle Bossin
- Emergency Department, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Clara Juando-Prats
- Applied Health Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Evelyn Dell
- Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea Somers
- University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Hulme
- University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Choudhury S, Choi SL, Lee Y, Manser SS. Examining the Role of Self-Harm in the Relationship between Emergency Department Service Utilization and Trauma-Induced Homelessness among Homeless Individuals in Texas. HEALTH & SOCIAL WORK 2024; 49:87-94. [PMID: 38478764 DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Homelessness is a complex public health problem in the United States. Current or ongoing history of trauma among individuals adds to the complexity and challenges of homelessness. Our study assessed the moderating role of self-harm in the association between emergency department (ED) service utilization and trauma-induced homelessness (TIH) among adults in Texas. Homeless adults (N = 282) who completed their baseline Vulnerability Index Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Prescreen Tool survey between February 2021 and February 2022 at a Local Mental Health Authority in Texas were selected. The outcome variable, TIH, was assessed by current period of homelessness due to experiencing trauma or abuse. The main independent variable was ED utilization, while self-harm in the past year was assessed as the moderating variable. A multivariate logistic regression with a moderation analysis was conducted while adjusting for the covariates. Individuals who utilized ED services and engaged in self-harm and risky behaviors had greater odds of experiencing current period of TIH. Male respondents were less likely to experience TIH. Finally, engaging in self-harm significantly moderated the association between ED service use and TIH. This study may help inform efforts to develop tailored interventions and promote resilience-based approaches to improve health outcomes among individuals experiencing homelessness due to TIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumaita Choudhury
- MPH, is a doctoral candidate and research associate, Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, 1823 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Sharon Lee Choi
- PhD, is a research associate, Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Yehyang Lee
- MS, is a graduate research assistant, Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Stacey Stevens Manser
- PhD, is a research scientist and associate director, Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Miller JP, Hutton J, Doherty C, Vallesi S, Currie J, Rushworth K, Larkin M, Scott M, Morrow J, Wood L. A scoping review examining patient experience and what matters to people experiencing homelessness when seeking healthcare. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:492. [PMID: 38643146 PMCID: PMC11031864 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10971-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homelessness is associated with significant health disparities. Conventional health services often fail to address the unique needs and lived experience of homeless individuals and fail to include participatory design when planning health services. This scoping review aimed to examine areas of patient experience that are most frequently reported by people experiencing homelessness when seeking and receiving healthcare, and to identify existing surveys used to measure patient experience for this cohort. METHODS A scoping review was undertaken reported according to the PRISMA-ScR 2020 Statement. Databases were searched on 1 December 2022: MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA PsychINFO and CINAHL. Included studies focused on people experiencing homelessness, healthcare services and patient experience, primary research, published in English from 2010. Qualitative papers and findings were extracted and synthesized against a modified framework based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for care for people experiencing homelessness, the Institute of Medicine Framework and Lachman's multidimensional quality model. People with lived experience of homelessness were employed as part of the research team. RESULTS Thirty-two studies were included. Of these, 22 were qualitative, seven quantitative and three mixed methods, from the United States of America (n = 17), United Kingdom (n = 5), Australia (n = 5) and Canada (n = 4). Health services ranged from primary healthcare to outpatient management, acute care, emergency care and hospital based healthcare. In qualitative papers, the domains of 'accessible and timely', 'person-centred', and values of 'dignity and respect' and 'kindness with compassion' were most prevalent. Among the three patient experience surveys identified, 'accessible and timely' and 'person-centred' were the most frequent domains. The least frequently highlighted domains and values were 'equitable' and 'holistic'. No questions addressed the 'safety' domain. CONCLUSIONS The Primary Care Quality-Homeless questionnaire best reflected the priorities for healthcare provision that were highlighted in the qualitative studies of people experiencing homelessness. The most frequently cited domains and values that people experiencing homelessness expressed as important when seeking healthcare were reflected in each of the three survey tools to varying degrees. Findings suggest that the principles of 'Kindness and compassion' require further emphasis when seeking feedback on healthcare experiences and the domains of 'safety', 'equitable', and 'efficiency' are not adequately represented in existing patient experience surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennie Hutton
- St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
- Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, Northern Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | | | - Jane Currie
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - Matthew Scott
- St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Lived Experience Representative, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James Morrow
- Lived Experience Representative, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lisa Wood
- The University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, Australia
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4
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Greenwald A, Kelly A, Thomas L. Trauma-informed care in the emergency department: concepts and recommendations for integrating practices into emergency medicine. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2023; 28:2178366. [PMID: 36799730 PMCID: PMC9946309 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2023.2178366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The experience of psychological trauma is common and has become even more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic for both health care workers and the general population [1-3]. Traumatic experiences can have varied and lasting physical and mental health effects on patients, beyond what we are privy to in the acute environment of the emergency department. The effects of these prior traumatic experiences can be exacerbated by interaction with the healthcare system, and yet emergency medicine physicians have no standardized methods for working with patients in a trauma-informed way. The systematic implementation of trauma-informed care (TIC) practice requires the cooperation of multiple domains within the health care system, including focus on the physical environment, direct care, and administrative practices. Here we provide recommendations specific to emergency medicine for the development and implementation of TIC in the regular patient-clinician interaction, situated within the context of the TIC framework as outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) [4].
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Affiliation(s)
- Audria Greenwald
- Department of Medical Sciences, Frank H. Netter School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT, USA
| | - Amber Kelly
- Department of Medical Sciences, Frank H. Netter School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT, USA
| | - Listy Thomas
- Department of Social Work, Quinnipiac University School for Health Sciences, North Haven, CT, USA
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5
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Ho ZV, Arias SA, Kunicki ZJ, Sarkar IN, Chen ES. Characterizing suicidal ideation, suicidal behaviors, and service utilization among unhoused individuals using a health information exchange. J Clin Psychol 2023; 79:2542-2555. [PMID: 37433045 PMCID: PMC10592413 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unhoused individuals have high rates of suicidal ideation (SI) and suicidal behaviors (SB), but few have studied the relative timing of homelessness and SI/SB. Our study examines the potential to use state-wide electronic health record data from Rhode Island's health information exchange (HIE) to identify temporal relationships, service utilization, and associations of SI/SB among unhoused individuals. METHODS We use timestamped HIE data for 5368 unhoused patients to analyze service utilization and the relative timing of homelessness versus SI/SB onset. Multivariable models identified associations of SI/SB, hospitalization, and repeat acute care utilization within 30 days from clinical features representing 10,000+ diagnoses captured within the HIE. RESULTS The onset of SI typically precedes homelessness onset, while the onset of SB typically follows. Weekly rates of suicide-related service utilization increased over 25 times the baseline rate during the week before and after homelessness onset. Over 50% of encounters involving SI/SB result in hospitalization. Of those engaging in acute care for suicide-related reasons, we found high rates of repeat acute care encounters. CONCLUSION HIEs are a particularly valuable resource for understudied populations. Our study demonstrates how longitudinal, multi-institutional data from an HIE can be used to characterize temporal associations, service utilization, and clinical associations of SI and behaviors among a vulnerable population at scale. Increasing access to services that address co-occurring SI/SB, mental health, and substance use is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zandra V Ho
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Sarah A Arias
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Psychosocial Research, Butler Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Zachary J Kunicki
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Psychosocial Research, Butler Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Indra Neil Sarkar
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Rhode Island Quality Institute, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Chen
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Linfield GH, Patel S, Ko HJ, Lacar B, Gottlieb LM, Adler-Milstein J, Singh NV, Pantell MS, De Marchis EH. Evaluating the comparability of patient-level social risk data extracted from electronic health records: A systematic scoping review. Health Informatics J 2023; 29:14604582231200300. [PMID: 37677012 DOI: 10.1177/14604582231200300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate how and from where social risk data are extracted from EHRs for research purposes, and how observed differences may impact study generalizability. Methods: Systematic scoping review of peer-reviewed literature that used patient-level EHR data to assess 1 ± 6 social risk domains: housing, transportation, food, utilities, safety, social support/isolation. Results: 111/9022 identified articles met inclusion criteria. By domain, social support/isolation was most often included (N = 68/111), predominantly defined by marital/partner status (N = 48/68) and extracted from structured sociodemographic data (N = 45/48). Housing risk was defined primarily by homelessness (N = 39/49). Structured housing data was extracted most from billing codes and screening tools (N = 15/30, 13/30, respectively). Across domains, data were predominantly sourced from structured fields (N = 89/111) versus unstructured free text (N = 32/111). Conclusion: We identified wide variability in how social domains are defined and extracted from EHRs for research. More consistency, particularly in how domains are operationalized, would enable greater insights across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia H Linfield
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shyam Patel
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hee Joo Ko
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Lacar
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Berkeley Institute for Data Science, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Laura M Gottlieb
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julia Adler-Milstein
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Center for Clinical Informatics and Improvement Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nina V Singh
- California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, Emeryvilla, CA, USA
| | - Matthew S Pantell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emilia H De Marchis
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Weber W, Heins A, Jardine L, Stanford K, Duber H. Principles of Screening for Disease and Health Risk Factors in the Emergency Department. Ann Emerg Med 2023; 81:584-591. [PMID: 35940988 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2022.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The emergency department serves as a critical access point to the health system for many patients, especially those with limited resources. Screening for disease or risk factors for poor health outcomes can potentially improve both individual and population health. Screening initiatives should focus on evidence-based strategies and take local epidemiology and ED capacity into consideration. Initiatives should strive for community support and transparency with patients. They should also be financially sustainable for those involved. Screening can identify patients who can then be counseled, provided with prophylaxis or treatment, or referred to external resources. Through screening and intervention, the ED can serve as a vital contributor to individual and population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Weber
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard University School of Medicine/Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA.
| | - Alan Heins
- Department of Emergency Medicine, the University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL
| | - Logan Jardine
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City, NY
| | - Kimberly Stanford
- Section of Emergency Medicine, the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Herbert Duber
- Department of Emergency Medicine, the University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Currie J, Stafford A, Hutton J, Wood L. Optimising Access to Healthcare for Patients Experiencing Homelessness in Hospital Emergency Departments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2424. [PMID: 36767794 PMCID: PMC9916150 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The ED is often the first and sometimes the only place where people experiencing homelessness seek medical assistance. While access to primary healthcare is a preferable and more cost-effective alternative to ED, for many reasons, people experiencing homelessness are much less likely to have a regular General Practitioner compared to those living in stable accommodation. Drawing on a growing body of emergency care and homelessness literature and practice, we have synthesised four potential interventions to optimise access to care when people experiencing homelessness present to an ED. Although EDs are in no way responsible for resolving the complex health and social issues of their local homeless population, they are a common contact point and therefore present an opportunity to improve access to healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Currie
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
| | | | - Jennie Hutton
- Emergency Department, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Lisa Wood
- Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, WA 6061, Australia
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Békási S, Girasek E, Győrffy Z. Telemedicine in community shelters: possibilities to improve chronic care among people experiencing homelessness in Hungary. Int J Equity Health 2022; 21:181. [PMID: 36528777 PMCID: PMC9758475 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-022-01803-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital health has expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the exclusion of vulnerable populations with limited access to these technologies widens the gap to receive proper care. There is very little data available on the feasibility of telemedicine solutions regarding the chronic care of homeless persons. METHODS In our study, 75 participants experiencing homelessness were recruited from four social institutions in Budapest, Hungary. The telecare pilot service consisted of six online consultations with a physician and was available in shelters biweekly. Self-developed questionnaires were used after every online session on the originating and remote sites as well, while a follow-up study was also completed among patients after four to six months of pilot closure. Parameters as frequencies, averages, and percentage distributions were analyzed and two linear regression models were built on explaining the doctors' and patients' overall rating of visits. RESULTS During the pilot, 92.2% (n = 415) of originally planned visits were delivered and 55 clients (73.3%) attended the full program. Both the patients' and physicians' overall satisfaction was very high (4.52 and 4.79, respectively, on a 5-point Likert scale) and the patients' overall rating remained similarly high during the follow-up. Comparing the first and sixth visits, physicians reported significant improvements in almost all aspects. The linear regression models proved that confidence in the patients' assessment and diagnosis had the most prominent effect on the physicians' overall rating, while ease of use and lack of communication gaps influenced positively the patients' rating. CONCLUSION The results suggest that telehealth services represent a promising tool to ensure better care continuity while using shelter infrastructure and on-site assistance might reduce the digital exclusion of people experiencing homelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Békási
- Health Center, Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta, Budapest, Hungary , Telemedicine Workgroup, FitPuli Kft, Győr, Hungary
| | - Edmond Girasek
- grid.11804.3c0000 0001 0942 9821Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsa Győrffy
- grid.11804.3c0000 0001 0942 9821Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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10
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Yue D, Pourat N, Essien EA, Chen X, Zhou W, O'Masta B. Differential associations of homelessness with emergency department visits and hospitalizations by race, ethnicity, and gender. Health Serv Res 2022; 57 Suppl 2:249-262. [PMID: 35593107 PMCID: PMC9660436 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the differential associations of homelessness with emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations by race, ethnicity, and gender. DATA SOURCES California Medicaid enrollment and claims. STUDY DESIGN We identified beneficiaries experiencing homelessness (BEH) and those who did not (NBEH) using diagnosis and place of service codes and residential addresses. Outcomes include four ED visit measures and four hospitalization measures. We compared the use of these services by BEH to NBEH overall and by race, ethnicity, and gender groups in regression models controlling for covariates. DATA COLLECTION We used a sample of Medicaid beneficiaries who met eligibility criteria for a California Medicaid demonstration program in 2017 and 2018 but were not enrolled in the program. We identified 473,069 BEH, and the rest (1,948,422) were considered NBEH. We used the 2018 data for utilization analyses and most covariates. We constructed lagged measures of health conditions using 2017 data. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We found that homelessness was significantly associated with 0.34 more ED visits (p < 0.01) and a higher likelihood of frequent ED visits (2.77 percentage points [pp], p < 0.01), any ED visits due to mental health conditions (0.79 pp, p < 0.01), and any ED visits due to substance use disorders (1.47 pp, p < 0.01). Experiencing homelessness was also significantly associated with 0.03 more hospitalizations (p < 0.01), a higher likelihood of frequent hospitalizations (0.68 pp, p < 0.01) and high frequent hospitalizations (0.28 pp, p < 0.01), and a longer length of stay (0.53 days, p < 0.01). We found a larger association for American Indian and Alaska Native, Black, Native Hawaii or Pacific Islander, and White populations than that for Asian and Hispanic populations. The associations are larger for males than females. CONCLUSIONS Our findings identified distinct utilization patterns by race, ethnicity, and gender. They indicated the need for developing race, ethnicity, and gender-specific strategies to reduce ED visits and hospitalizations of BEH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahai Yue
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Maryland School of Public HealthCollege ParkMarylandUSA
| | - Nadereh Pourat
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementUCLA Fielding School of Public HealthLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Elsie A. Essien
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Maryland School of Public HealthCollege ParkMarylandUSA
| | - Xiao Chen
- Health Economics and Evaluation Research ProgramUCLA Center for Health Policy ResearchLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Weihao Zhou
- Health Economics and Evaluation Research ProgramUCLA Center for Health Policy ResearchLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Brenna O'Masta
- Health Economics and Evaluation Research ProgramUCLA Center for Health Policy ResearchLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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11
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Vohra N, Paudyal V, Price MJ. Homelessness and the use of Emergency Department as a source of healthcare: a systematic review. Int J Emerg Med 2022; 15:32. [PMID: 35902803 PMCID: PMC9330962 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-022-00435-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) often use hospital Emergency Department (ED) as the only source of healthcare. The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review to identify the prevalence, clinical reasons and outcomes in relation to ED visits by PEH. METHODS A protocol-led (CRD42020189263) systematic review was conducted using search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Google Scholar databases. Studies that reported either the prevalence of homelessness in the ED or clinical reasons for presentation to ED by PEH and published in English language were included. Definitions of homelessness used by study authors were accepted. RESULTS From the screening of 1349 unique titles, a total of 36 studies were included. Wide variations in the prevalence and key cause of presentations were identified across the studies often linked to differences in country, study setting, disease classification and data collection methods. The proportion of ED visits contributed by PEH ranged from 0.41 to 19.6%. PEH made an average of 0.72 visits to 5.8 visits per person per year in the ED [rate ratio compared to non-homeless 1.63 to 18.75]. Up to a third and quarter of the visits were contributed by alcohol-related diagnoses and substance poisoning respectively. The percentage of PEH who died in the ED ranged from 0.1 to 0.5%. CONCLUSIONS Drug-, alcohol- and injury-related presentations dominate the ED visits by PEH. Wide variations in the data were observed in regard to attendance and treatment outcomes. There is a need for prevention actions in the community, integrated discharge and referral pathways between health, housing and social care to minimise frequent usage and improve attendance outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Vohra
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Vibhu Paudyal
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Malcolm J Price
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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12
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Shepherd-Banigan M, Drake C, Dietch JR, Shapiro A, Tabriz AA, Van Voorhees EE, Uthappa DM, Wang TW, Lusk JB, Rossitch SS, Fulton J, Gordon A, Ear B, Cantrell S, Gierisch JM, Williams JW, Goldstein KM. Primary Care Engagement Among Individuals with Experiences of Homelessness and Serious Mental Illness: an Evidence Map. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:1513-1523. [PMID: 35237885 PMCID: PMC9085989 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-07244-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experiences of homelessness and serious mental illness (SMI) negatively impact health and receipt of healthcare. Interventions that promote the use of primary care services for people with both SMI and homelessness may improve health outcomes, but this literature has not been evaluated systematically. This evidence map examines the breadth of literature to describe what intervention strategies have been studied for this population, elements of primary care integration with other services used, and the level of intervention complexity to highlight gaps for future intervention research and program development. METHODS We followed an a priori protocol developed in collaboration with clinical stakeholders. We systematically searched the published literature to identify interventions for adults with homelessness who also had SMI. We excluded case reports, editorials, letters, and conference abstracts. Data abstraction methods followed standard practice. Data were categorized into intervention strategies and primary care integration strategies. Then we applied the Complexity Assessment Tool for Systematic Reviews (iCAT_SR) to characterize intervention complexity. RESULTS Twenty-two articles met our inclusion criteria evaluating 15 unique interventions to promote engagement in primary care for adults with experiences of homelessness and SMI. Study designs varied widely from randomized controlled trials and cohort studies to single-site program evaluations. Intervention strategies varied across studies but primarily targeted patients directly (e.g., health education, evidence-based interactions such as motivational interviewing) with fewer strategies employed at the clinic (e.g., employee training, multidisciplinary teams) or system levels (e.g., data sharing). We identified elements of primary care integration, including referral strategies, co-location, and interdisciplinary care planning. Interventions displayed notable complexity around the number of intervention components, interaction between intervention components, and extent to which interventions were tailored to specific patient populations. DISCUSSION We identified and categorized elements used in various combinations to address the primary care needs of individuals with experiences of homeless and SMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Shepherd-Banigan
- Durham Center of Innovation To Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Connor Drake
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jessica R Dietch
- School of Psychological Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Abigail Shapiro
- Durham Center of Innovation To Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amir Alishahi Tabriz
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Van Voorhees
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Diya M Uthappa
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tsai-Wei Wang
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jay B Lusk
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Fuqua School of Business, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Jessica Fulton
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Adelaide Gordon
- Durham Center of Innovation To Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Belinda Ear
- Durham Center of Innovation To Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sarah Cantrell
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Medical Center Library & Archives, Durham, USA
| | - Jennifer M Gierisch
- Durham Center of Innovation To Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John W Williams
- Durham Center of Innovation To Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Karen M Goldstein
- Durham Center of Innovation To Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Pixley CL, Henry FA, DeYoung SE, Settembrino MR. The role of homelessness community based organizations during COVID-19. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 50:1816-1830. [PMID: 34033680 PMCID: PMC8242750 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
People experiencing homelessness are vulnerable to disasters and hazards and are at risk for contracting COVID-19. In this study, we gathered data from 10 community-based organizations (CBO's) in the United States that work to provide services for people experiencing homelessness. The combined CBO's span across rural, urban, and a mixture of both settings. We identified three needs that the CBO's indicated to be urgent: (1) the increased need for basic services among guests/clients, (2) new organizational challenges for the CBO's, and (3) issues related to emergency management and disasters. Among these urgent needs, respondents also indicated the need for emotional support for staff and volunteers experiencing burnout during the COVID-19 response. They also expressed some unique aspects of new care delivery systems, such as clients' willingness to engage in rehabilitation programs because of noncongregate sheltering options corresponding with those support services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cotina Lane Pixley
- Disaster Science & Management ProgramUniversity of DelawareNewarkDelawareUSA
| | - Felicia A. Henry
- Department of Sociology & Criminal JusticeUniversity of DelawareNewarkDelawareUSA
| | - Sarah E. DeYoung
- Department of Sociology & Criminal JusticeUniversity of DelawareNewarkDelawareUSA
| | - Marc R. Settembrino
- Department of Sociology & Criminal JusticeSoutheastern Louisiana UniversityHammondLouisianaUSA
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14
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Housing Instability and Depression among US Mothers Following a Nonmarital Birth. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910322. [PMID: 34639621 PMCID: PMC8508260 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mothers who had a nonmarital birth experience multiple risk factors for depression, including housing instability. Yet, important questions remain about the extent of long-term housing instability and its association with future depression among at-risk mothers. Using the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study data, we examine cumulative housing instability over a 15-year period following nonmarital birth and its association with maternal depression. Based on a sample of 2279 mothers who had a nonmarital birth in 20 major US cities between 1998–2000, we examined their 15-year residential moves and housing arrangements. Then, we tested the associations between the cumulative residential moves and major depressive episodes (MDE) in Year 15 using logistic regression analysis. One in every four mothers had six or more residential moves in 15 years following a nonmarital birth. For each additional move, mothers reported up to 27.9% higher odds of having a past-year MDE in Year 15, translating into the prevalence increases from 6.0% (zero move) to 20.6% (10 moves). Our findings suggest that greater attention should be paid to housing needs among mothers following a nonmarital birth, including temporary housing assistance and more fundamental programs to reduce housing instability as preventive mental health services.
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15
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Typology of Currently or Formerly Homeless Individuals Based on Their Use of Health and Social Services. Community Ment Health J 2021; 57:948-959. [PMID: 32734310 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-020-00693-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study identified profiles among 455 currently or formerly homeless individuals in Quebec (Canada), based on health and social service use. Using latent class analysis, four profiles were identified that grouped individuals with: (1) few health problems, and using few case managers and family doctors, but with high frequency of psychiatric consultations, emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations; (2) chronic physical illnesses, having case managers and family doctors, but low frequency of ED visits and hospitalizations; (3) moderate health problems and little service use; and (4) multiple and complex health problems and high frequency of service use. These profiles suggest the following recommendations to more adequately meet patient needs: regarding Class 1, improved outreach services, more ED liaison nurses and peer navigation; Class 2: more family doctors and case managers; Class 3: higher family doctors; and Class 4: more assertive or intensive case management, harm reduction and permanent housing resources.
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16
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Koh KA, Racine M, Gaeta JM, Goldie J, Martin DP, Bock B, Takach M, O'Connell JJ, Song Z. Health Care Spending And Use Among People Experiencing Unstable Housing In The Era Of Accountable Care Organizations. Health Aff (Millwood) 2021; 39:214-223. [PMID: 32011951 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2019.00687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Provider organizations are increasingly held accountable for health care spending in vulnerable populations. Longitudinal data on health care spending and use among people experiencing episodes of homelessness could inform the design of alternative payment models. We used Medicaid claims data to analyze spending and use among 402 people who were continuously enrolled in the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) from 2013 through 2015, compared to spending and use among 18,638 people who were continuously enrolled in Massachusetts Medicaid with no evidence of experiencing homelessness. The BHCHP population averaged $18,764 per person per year in spending-2.5 times more than spending among the comparison Medicaid population ($7,561). In unadjusted analyses this difference was explained by greater spending in the BHCHP population on outpatient care, including emergency department care, as well as on inpatient care and prescription drugs. After adjustment for covariates and multiple hypothesis testing, the difference was largely driven by outpatient spending. Differences were sensitive to adjustments for risk score, which suggests that housing instability and health risk are meaningfully correlated. This longitudinal analysis improves understanding of health care use and resource needs among people who are homeless or have unstable housing, and it could inform the design of alternative payment models for vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Koh
- Katherine A. Koh ( kkoh@partners. org ) is a physician at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and Massachusetts General Hospital, both in Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Melanie Racine
- Melanie Racine is the director of special projects at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and a member of its Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Jessie M. Gaeta is chief medical officer at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and a member of its Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care. She is also an assistant professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine
| | - John Goldie
- John Goldie is executive director of system analytics, Boston Medical Center Health System
| | - Daniel P Martin
- Daniel P. Martin is a data scientist in the Population Health Analytics and Strategy team, Boston Medical Center Health System
| | - Barry Bock
- Barry Bock is chief executive officer of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
| | - Mary Takach
- Mary Takach is a senior health policy adviser at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
| | - James J O'Connell
- James J. O'Connell is president of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, in Boston
| | - Zirui Song
- Zirui Song is an assistant professor of health care policy and medicine at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, and a faculty member in the Center for Primary Care at Harvard Medical School
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Gentil L, Grenier G, Vasiliadis HM, Huỳnh C, Fleury MJ. Predictors of Recurrent High Emergency Department Use among Patients with Mental Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094559. [PMID: 33923112 PMCID: PMC8123505 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have examined predictors of recurrent high ED use. This study assessed predictors of recurrent high ED use over two and three consecutive years, compared with high one-year ED use. This five-year longitudinal study is based on a cohort of 3121 patients who visited one of six Quebec (Canada) ED at least three times in 2014–2015. Multinomial logistic regression was performed. Clinical, sociodemographic and service use variables were identified based on data extracted from health administrative databases for 2012–2013 to 2014–2015. Of the 3121 high ED users, 15% (n = 468) were recurrent high ED users for a two-year period and 12% (n = 364) over three years. Patients with three consecutive years of high ED use had more personality disorders, anxiety disorders, alcohol or drug related disorders, chronic physical illnesses, suicidal behaviors and violence or social issues. More resided in areas with high social deprivation, consulted frequently with psychiatrists, had more interventions in local community health service centers, more prior hospitalizations and lower continuity of medical care. Three consecutive years of high ED use may be a benchmark for identifying high users needing better ambulatory care. As most have multiple and complex health problems, higher continuity and adequacy of medical care should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Gentil
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 1033, Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada;
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Blvd, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada;
- Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Institut Universitaire sur les Dépendances, 950 Louvain Est, Montréal, QC H2M 2E8, Canada;
| | - Guy Grenier
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Blvd, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada;
| | - Helen-Maria Vasiliadis
- Département Des Sciences de la Santé Communautaire, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, QC J4K 0A8, Canada;
- Centre de Recherche Charles-Le Moyne-Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean sur les Innovations en Santé (CR-CSIS), Campus de Longueuil-Université de Sherbrooke, 150 Place Charles-Lemoyne, Longueuil, QC J4K 0A8, Canada
| | - Christophe Huỳnh
- Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Institut Universitaire sur les Dépendances, 950 Louvain Est, Montréal, QC H2M 2E8, Canada;
| | - Marie-Josée Fleury
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 1033, Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada;
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Blvd, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada;
- Correspondence:
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18
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Lech S, Schenk L, De la Torre Castro J, Schindel D. A retrospective analysis of the health and social situation of homeless people in Berlin: study protocol. Arch Public Health 2021; 79:28. [PMID: 33676557 PMCID: PMC7937212 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-021-00546-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homelessness is often described as both a driver and a consequence of poor health, social exclusion and economic marginalisation. The present protocol provides a detailed description of the study Examining the health situation of homeless people in Berlin: a retrospective analysis of data from the health centre for the homeless of the Jenny De la Torre Foundation from 2006 to 2020 (GIG study). The primary objective of the GIG study is to describe and analyse the social and health situation of homeless people in Berlin. METHODS A retrospective secondary data analysis of an anonymous full census of medical records for the years 2006 until 2020 from a health centre for homeless people will be carried out. The main outcome is the description and analysis of the social and health situation of homeless people in Berlin. Total and cross-sectional sample characteristics will be presented in a descriptive analysis using Chi-Square Test, Mann-Whitney-U-Test or independent t-Test as appropriate to test (sub) group differences. Further, outcomes will be analysed using finite mixture modelling in order to distinguish different types of social and health conditions. Latent variable regressions will be applied in order to identify sociodemographic and disease-related factors associated with decreasing health conditions. DISCUSSION Given the high number of homeless individuals in Germany, it is of great importance to examine their social and health situation in order to gain a better understanding of challenges and needs of homeless people and work on new approaches and solutions to effectively address these. TRAIL REGISTRATION The study was prospectively registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (trial registration number: DRKS00021172 ). Registered 26 June 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Lech
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Liane Schenk
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Schindel
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Berlin, Germany
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19
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de Espíndola MI, Bedendo A, da Silva EA, Noto AR. Interpersonal relationships and drug use over time among homeless people: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1746. [PMID: 33213421 PMCID: PMC7678275 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09880-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Homelessness is one of the most severe forms of social exclusion and is an important public health issue. It is characterized by processes of weakening of interpersonal bonds. The objective of this study was, therefore, to elucidate how interpersonal relationships change over the life cycle of homeless drug and alcohol users. Method We used a qualitative methodology. The participants were adults who had a history of homelessness and use of alcohol and other drugs. The interviews were semi structured and used a timeline instrument. All interview were audio recorded, transcribed, and submitted to thematic analysis. Results Twenty individuals participated in the study. Reports on social exclusion over time stood out in respect of four main themes and their respective subthemes: Theme 1 – Childhood: instability upbringing, abuse, violence, and an absent or not very present father figure; Theme 2 – Adolescence: school dropout and failure; acceptance of gender and sexual orientation; birth of first child, living with a partner or getting married: Theme 3 – Adulthood: estrangement or conflicting relationship with family; health problems; drug trafficking and prostitution; Theme 4 – Cross-cutting factors: death of relatives and substance use. Conclusion The results suggest that interpersonal relationships are permeated by successive breakups, conflicts and other events that start in childhood and can have a cumulative effect in later stages of life, and cross the subsequent phases. Substance abuse and dependence are mentioned as cross-cutting factors that intensify social exclusion in all stages of life. Supplementary Information Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12889-020-09880-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marília Ignácio de Espíndola
- NEPSIS - Research Center on Health and Substance Use, Sao Paulo, Brazil. .,Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Rua Botucatu, 862 - 1° Andar, Vila Clementino, SP, 04023062, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - André Bedendo
- NEPSIS - Research Center on Health and Substance Use, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Rua Botucatu, 862 - 1° Andar, Vila Clementino, SP, 04023062, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eroy Aparecida da Silva
- NEPSIS - Research Center on Health and Substance Use, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Rua Botucatu, 862 - 1° Andar, Vila Clementino, SP, 04023062, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Regina Noto
- NEPSIS - Research Center on Health and Substance Use, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Rua Botucatu, 862 - 1° Andar, Vila Clementino, SP, 04023062, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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20
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The Shifting Risk of Homelessness among Persons with a Disability: Insights from a National Policy Intervention. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186512. [PMID: 32906776 PMCID: PMC7558649 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Persons with a disability are at a far higher risk of homelessness than those without. The economic, social and health challenges faced by disabled people are addressed, in Australia, by the recently implemented National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Using nationally representative, longitudinal household panel data, we construct the Index of Relative Homelessness Risk (IRHR) to track how the risk of homelessness for disabled persons has changed since the introduction of the NDIS. We find that, overall, fewer persons with a disability face moderate risk of homelessness but that many more face high risk. We conclude that the NDIS has not effectively protected disabled people from the risk of homelessness. We reflect on the implications of these findings for policy interventions.
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21
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Vrouwe SQ, Johnson MB, Pham CH, Lane CJ, Garner WL, Gillenwater TJ, Yenikomshian HA. The Homelessness Crisis and Burn Injuries: A Cohort Study. J Burn Care Res 2020; 41:820-827. [PMID: 32619013 DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/iraa023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The United States is facing a growing homelessness crisis. We characterize the demographics and outcomes of homeless patients who sustain burn injury and compare them to a cohort of domiciled patients. A retrospective cohort study was performed at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Regional Burn Center for consecutive acute burn admissions in adults from June 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018. Patients were categorized as either domiciled or homeless at the time of their injury. Prevalence rates were estimated using data from the regional homeless count. From 881 admissions, 751 (85%) had stable housing and 130 (15%) were homeless. The rate of burn injury requiring hospitalization for homeless adults was estimated at 88 per 100,000 persons. Homeless patients had a significantly larger median burn size (7 vs 5%, P < .05) and a greater rate of flame burns (68 vs 42%, P < .001). For the homeless, rates of assault and self-inflicted injury were 4- (18 vs 4%, P < .001) and 2-fold higher (9 vs 4%, P < .001), respectively. Homeless patients had higher rates of mental illness (32 vs 12%, P < .001) and substance abuse (88 vs 22%, P < .001), and were less likely to follow-up as outpatients (54 vs 87%, P < .001). There was no difference in mortality. Homeless patients had a longer median length of stay (LOS; 11 vs 7 days, P < .001) without significant differences in LOS per percentage TBSA. Homeless individuals should be considered a high-risk population for burn injury. This distinction serves as a call to action for the development of burn prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Q Vrouwe
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Maxwell B Johnson
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christopher H Pham
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christianne J Lane
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Warren L Garner
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - T Justin Gillenwater
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Haig A Yenikomshian
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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Miller JP, O' Reilly GM, Mackelprang JL, Mitra B. Trauma in adults experiencing homelessness. Injury 2020; 51:897-905. [PMID: 32147144 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2020.02.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homeless individuals suffer a greater burden of health problems than the general population. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of physical trauma among homeless patients presenting to an urban major trauma center and to ascertain any differences in the nature, injury severity and outcomes among homeless compared to domiciled patients. METHODS A retrospective matched cohort study that included adults who met inclusion criteria for The Alfred Hospital Trauma Registry between 01 July 2010 and 31 March 2017 was conducted. Primary homelessness was identified using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision Coding Z59.0 and/or 'No fixed abode' address data. Homeless and domiciled patients were matched at a 1:2 ratio on age, sex, month and year of injury. The primary outcome variable was the Injury Severity Score (ISS). Secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay (LOS), mortality, emergency department (ED) disposition, hospital disposition, discharge processes and trauma registry recidivism. RESULTS Of 25,920 cases in the trauma registry, 147 (0.6%) were identified as homeless, comprising 131 unique homeless individuals who were matched with 262 domiciled patients. The median (Inter-Quartile Range) ISS among homeless patients was 5(2-10), compared to 9(4-17) for domiciled patients (p < 0.001). Homeless patients had significantly lower odds of sustaining an injury with ISS>12 (OR 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8, p = 0.001). Homeless patients were treated more often than domiciled patients for assault (32.1% vs 9.5%), intentional self-harm (10.7% vs 2.7%), and penetrating injury (16.0% vs 6.5%). Homeless patients had higher rates of psychiatry admissions (9.2% vs 0.8%), positive blood alcohol concentration (30.5% vs 13.7%), and higher odds of discharging against medical advice (DAMA)(OR 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.6 p = 0.02). There were no differences in LOS (p = 0.51), mortality (p = 0.19), ED disposition (p = 0.64) or trauma registry recidivism (p = 0.09). CONCLUSION Among injured patients who presented at an urban trauma center, homelessness was associated with higher odds of assault, intentional self-harm, penetrating injury, psychiatry admissions, DAMA but lower ISS than domiciled patients. Variable definitions of homelessness and lack of standardized documentation in the medical record should be addressed to ensure these vulnerable patients are identified and linked with peripheral services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerard M O' Reilly
- Emergency & Trauma Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; National Trauma Research Institute, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Biswadev Mitra
- Emergency & Trauma Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; National Trauma Research Institute, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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Association of Medicaid Expansion Policy with Outcomes in Homeless Patients Requiring Emergency General Surgery. World J Surg 2019; 43:1483-1489. [PMID: 30706104 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-019-04932-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicaid expansion has reduced obstacles faced in receiving care. Emergency general surgery (EGS) is a clinical event where delays in appropriate care impact outcomes. Therefore, we assessed the association between non-Medicaid expansion policy and multiple outcomes in homeless patients requiring EGS. METHODS We used 2014 State Inpatient Database to identify homeless individuals admitted with a primary EGS diagnosis who underwent an EGS procedure. States were divided into those that did and did not implement Medicaid expansion. Multivariable quantile regression was used to examine associations between non-Medicaid expansion states and (1) length of stay and (2) total index hospital charges within the homeless population. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the associations between non-Medicaid expansion and (1) mortality, (2) surgical complications, (3) discharge against medical advice, and (4) home healthcare. RESULTS A total of 6930 homeless patients were identified. Of these, 435 (6.2%) were in non-expansion states. Non-Medicaid expansion was associated with higher charges (coef: $46,264, 95% CI 40,388-52,139). There were non-significant differences in mortality (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.79-2.62; p = 0.2) or surgical complications (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.7-1.8; p = 0.4). However, homeless individuals living in non-expansion states did have higher odds of being discharged against medical advice (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.08-4.05; p = 0.02), and lower odds of receiving home healthcare (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.8; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Homeless patients living in Medicaid expansion states had lower odds of being discharged against medical advice, higher likelihood of receiving home healthcare and overall lower total index hospital charges.
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Abstract
The US homeless population is predisposed to serious complications of influenza with increased likelihood of hospitalization and death. This quality improvement project sought to increase influenza vaccination in the homeless population of a rural area in the Midwest and improve provider knowledge of risks and preventive care responsibilities.
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Nelson DA, Morzinski J, Flower M. The Milwaukee Continuum: Older Veterans and Nonveterans Use Housing First to Exit Homelessness. JOURNAL OF HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0022167819866523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Homelessness is about survival and more than an issue of bricks and mortar. It is not a static dimension and alludes to a troubled age and brokenness of society. Despite dramatic declines in numbers of people presently homeless, the issue continues to be a public health issue. The number of veterans currently homeless continues to be of national concern despite application of resources. More needs to be done to better understand the concerns of veterans, once homeless and now housed. Method: Qualitative research in the form of interviews provided insights from the veterans on their experience around achieving housing. Qualitative methods are often used in evaluations as they speak of the experience of the program being evaluated by capturing and then communicating the narratives of the participants. This study was grounded in community-based participatory research where a member of community was a part of all phases of the research process. Results: Seven interviews with formerly homeless veterans were conducted. Themes included the following: Burnt Brides and Regrets, Survival, Spirituality, Recovery and Stress, Supportive Care, Reunite Family, and Sickness and Health. Discussion: The themes provide insight into the experience of the veterans and a means to better understand the healing process. Understanding of the healing process includes the following: Acknowledging the Courage to go Deep, Time, Veterans Giving Back, and Recovery is Ongoing. Despite what was learned, further research is needed to better understand the long-term implications of people formerly homeless now housed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark Flower
- Veteran’s Health Coalition, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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