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Bell L, Whelan M, Lycett D, Fernandez E, Khera-Butler T, Kehal I, Patel R. Healthcare and housing provision for a UK homeless community: a qualitative service evaluation. Public Health 2024; 229:1-6. [PMID: 38368810 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Homelessness is both a significant determinant and consequence of health and social inequalities. To better meet healthcare needs, dedicated mental health and general nurses were implemented to deliver outreach healthcare to people experiencing homelessness in one United Kingdom (UK) county. During COVID-19, the UK Government also instructed local authorities to accommodate individuals sleeping rough and have a national target to end rough sleeping. This qualitative study explored experiences of this nurse-let outreach service and housing journeys during and beyond COVID-19 among people experiencing homelessness. STUDY DESIGN Face-to-face, narrative storytelling interviews were conducted via opportunistic sampling in community settings. Individuals with recent or current experiences of homelessness were eligible. METHODS Participants were informed about the study via known professionals and introduced to the researcher. Eighteen narrative interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analysed using reflective thematic analysis. RESULTS Individuals described complex journeys in becoming and being homeless. The nurse-led outreach service provided integral support, with reported benefits to person-centred and accessible care and improved outcomes in health and well-being. After being housed, individuals valued housing necessities and described new responsibilities. However, some participants did not accept or stay in housing provisions where they perceived risks. CONCLUSIONS Interviewed participants perceived that the dedicated nurse-led outreach service improved their access to care and health outcomes. In the absence of dedicated provisions, mainstream healthcare should ensure flexible processes and collaborative professional working. Local authorities must also be afforded increased resources for housing, as well as integrated support, to reduce social and health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bell
- Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - M Whelan
- Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - D Lycett
- Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - E Fernandez
- Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire, UK
| | | | - I Kehal
- Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire, UK
| | - R Patel
- Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry, UK; NIHR Applied Research Collaboration-East Midlands (ARC-EM), Leicester, UK.
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2
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Shackshaft L. Homeless healthcare: a missing component in medical training? BMJ 2024; 384:q656. [PMID: 38490644 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.q656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Shackshaft
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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3
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Mitchell E, Waring T, Ahern E, O'Donovan D, O'Reilly D, Bradley DT. Predictors and consequences of homelessness in whole-population observational studies that used administrative data: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1610. [PMID: 37612701 PMCID: PMC10463451 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16503-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homelessness is a complex societal and public health challenge. Limited information exists about the population-level health and social care-related predictors and consequences of persons with lived experience of homelessness (PEH). Studies that focus on population subgroups or ad hoc questionnaires to gather data are of relatively limited generalisability to whole-population health surveillance and planning. The aim of this study was to find and synthesise information about the risk factors for, and consequences of, experiencing homelessness in whole-population studies that used routine administrative data. METHOD We performed a systematic search using EMBASE, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and PsycINFO research databases for English-language studies published from inception until February 2023 that reported analyses of administrative data about homelessness and health and social care-related predictors and consequences. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS Of the 1224 articles reviewed, 30 publications met the inclusion criteria. The included studies examined a wide range of topic areas, and the homelessness definitions used in each varied considerably. Studies were categorised into several topic areas: Mortality, morbidity and COVID-19; health care usage and hospital re-admission; care home admission and shelter stay; and other (e.g. employment, crime victimisation). The studies reported that that the physical and mental health of people who experience homelessness was worse than that of the general population. Homeless individuals were more likely to have higher risk of hospitalisation, more likely to use emergency departments, have higher mortality rates and were at greater risk of needing intensive care or of dying from COVID-19 compared with general population. Additionally, homeless individuals were more likely to be incarcerated or unemployed. The effects were strongest for those who experienced being homeless as a child compared to those who experienced being homeless later on in life. CONCLUSIONS This is the first systematic review of whole-population observational studies that used administrative data to identify causes and consequences associated with individuals who are experiencing homelessness. While the scientific literature provides evidence on some of the possible risk factors associated with being homeless, research into this research topic has been limited and gaps still remain. There is a need for more standardised best practice approaches to understand better the causes and consequences associated with being homeless.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Mitchell
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, UK.
| | - Tanisha Waring
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Diarmuid O'Donovan
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, UK
| | - Dermot O'Reilly
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, UK
| | - Declan T Bradley
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, UK
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Paudyal V, Vohra N, Price M, Jalal Z, Saunders K. Key causes and long-term trends related to emergency department and inpatient hospital admissions of homeless persons in England. Int J Emerg Med 2023; 16:48. [PMID: 37550625 PMCID: PMC10405435 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-023-00526-9] [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: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is estimated that approximately 300,000 people are experiencing homelessness in England. The aim of this study was to evaluate key causes and long-term trends of emergency departments (EDs) and in hospital inpatient admissions of persons experiencing homelessness in England. METHODS ED and hospital inpatient admissions data were obtained from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) covering all National Health Service (NHS) England hospitals. Anyone identified or declared to be experiencing homelessness during the service usage are recorded in HES datasets. Data were extracted for the 10-year study period and compared to the general population, which includes all patients attending the ED or admitted to inpatient care in England. RESULTS Drug- and alcohol-related causes contribute to the most frequent reasons for attendance and admissions of persons experiencing homelessness in the ED and inpatient respectively. A total of 30,406 ED attendances were recorded for persons experiencing homelessness in the year 2018/2019 (+ 44.9% rise vs 2009/10) of which injuries and poisoning respectively represented 21.8% and 17.9% of all persons experiencing homelessness presentations to the ED. Poisoning (including drug overdose) represented only 1.9% of all attendances by the general population during the same study year (rate ratio vs general populations 9.2 95% CI 9.0-9.4). High mortality rates were observed in relation to presentations attributed to drug- and alcohol-related causes. A total of 14,858 persons experiencing homelessness inpatient admissions were recorded in 2018/2019 (+ 68.6% vs 2009/2010). Psychoactive substance use constituted 12.7% of all admissions in 2018/2019 compared to 0.4% of in the general populations (rate ratio: 33.3, 95% CI: 31.9-34.7). There was a 44.3% rise in the number of admissions related to poisoning in the study period amongst persons experiencing homelessness in England (vs 14.2% in general population). CONCLUSION Marked disparities around primary causes of ED and inpatient admissions were identified between persons experiencing homelessness and the general population. There is a continued need for prevention measures to reduce the prevalence of drug and alcohol, injury and poisoning-related admissions to the ED, enhanced service provision at the community level, and multisector collaborations. These initiatives should maximise opportunities for early interventions and improve outcomes for persons experiencing homelessness, including increased accessibility of healthcare and mental health services, particularly in areas that demonstrate increasing ED and inpatient attendance rates over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibhu Paudyal
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Neha Vohra
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Malcolm Price
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zahraa Jalal
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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Anastas TM, Stewart JC, Rand KL, Hirsh AT. Pain in People Experiencing Homelessness: A Scoping Review. Ann Behav Med 2023; 57:288-300. [PMID: 36745022 PMCID: PMC10094969 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaac060] [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: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior work suggests that people experiencing homelessness (PEH) are at heightened risk for developing pain and have a uniquely burdensome pain experience. PURPOSE The aim of this scoping review was to map the current peer-reviewed, published literature on the pain experience of PEH. METHODS In accordance with the US Annual Homeless Assessment Report, we defined homelessness as lacking shelter or a fixed address within the last year. We conceptualized the pain experience via a modified version of the Social Communication Model of Pain, which considers patient, provider, and contextual factors. Published articles were identified with CINHAL, Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. RESULTS Sixty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. Studies revealed that PEH have high rates of pain and experience high levels of pain intensity and interference. Substantially fewer studies examined other factors relevant to the pain experience, such as self-management, treatment-seeking behaviors, and pain management within healthcare settings. Nonetheless, initial evidence suggests that pain is undermanaged in PEH. CONCLUSIONS Future research directions to understand pain and homelessness are discussed, including factors contributing to the under-management of pain. This scoping review may inform future work to develop interventions to address the specific pain care needs of PEH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy M Anastas
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jesse C Stewart
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kevin L Rand
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Adam T Hirsh
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, IN, USA
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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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Moss C, Anselmi L, Sutton M. Emergency department outcomes for patients experiencing homelessness in England: retrospective cross-sectional study. Eur J Public Health 2023; 33:161-168. [PMID: 36622179 PMCID: PMC10066478 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency departments (EDs) are an important point of access to health care for people experiencing homelessness. Evidence suggests that ED attendances by homeless people are more likely to result in leaving the ED without treatment, or dying in the ED. We investigate which diagnoses and patterns of health care use are associated with these (and other) discharge destinations and re-attendance within 7 days among homeless patients. METHODS We used national hospital data to analyze attendances of all 109 254 people experiencing homelessness who presented at any Type 1 ED in England over 2013-18. We used logistic regression to estimate the association of each outcome with primary diagnosis and patterns of healthcare use. RESULTS Compared with patients with no past ED use, patients with a high frequency of past ED use were more likely to leave without treatment and re-attend within 7 days. Patients not registered at a general practice were likelier to leave without treatment or die in the ED and had lower odds of unplanned re-attendance. A primary diagnosis of 'social problems' was associated with being discharged without follow-up. Patients with a psychiatric primary diagnosis were disproportionately likely to be referred to another health care professional/provider or an outpatient clinic. CONCLUSIONS Further research is needed to understand why some homeless patients leave the ED without treatment and whether their healthcare needs are being met. Some patients may be attending the ED frequently due to poor access to other services, such as primary care and social welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie Moss
- Health Organisation, Policy and Economics (HOPE), Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Laura Anselmi
- Health Organisation, Policy and Economics (HOPE), Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Matt Sutton
- Health Organisation, Policy and Economics (HOPE), Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Rintoul K, Song E, McLellan-Carich R, Schjelderup ENR, Barr AM. A scoping review of psychiatric conditions associated with chronic pain in the homeless and marginally housed population. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1020038. [PMID: 37187857 PMCID: PMC10175796 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1020038] [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: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review sought to examine and summarise the unique experience of concurrent pain and psychiatric conditions, that is often neglected, within the population of homeless individuals. Furthermore, the review examined factors that work to aggravate pain and those that have been shown to improve pain management. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, psycINFO, and Web of Science) and the grey literature (Google Scholar) were searched. Two reviewers independently screened and assessed all literature. The PHO MetaQAT was used to appraise quality of all studies included. Fifty-seven studies were included in this scoping review, with most of the research being based in the United States of America. Several interacting factors were found to exacerbate reported pain, as well as severely affect other crucial aspects of life that correlate directly with health, within the homeless population. Notable factors included drug use as a coping mechanism for pain, as well as opioid use preceding pain; financial issues; transportation problems; stigma; and various psychiatric disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Important pain management strategies included cannabis use, Accelerated Resolution Therapy for treating trauma, and acupuncture. The homeless population experiences multiple barriers which work to further impact their experience with pain and psychiatric conditions. Psychiatric conditions impact pain experience and can work to intensify already adverse health circumstances of homeless individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Rintoul
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Esther Song
- British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rachel McLellan-Carich
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Elizabeth N. R. Schjelderup
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alasdair M. Barr
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Correspondence: Alasdair M. Barr
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Lowrie R, McPherson A, Mair F, Maguire D, Paudyal V, Blair B, Brannan D, Moir J, Hughes F, Duncan C, Stock K, Farmer N, Ramage R, Lombard C, Ross S, Scott A, Provan G, Sills L, Hislop J, Reilly F, Williamson AE. Pharmacist and Homeless Outreach Engagement and Non-medical Independent prescribing Rx (PHOENIx): a study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064792. [PMID: 36526321 PMCID: PMC9764622 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The number of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) is increasing worldwide. Systematic reviews show high levels of multimorbidity and mortality. Integrated health and social care outreach interventions may improve outcomes. No previous studies have targeted PEH with recent drug overdose despite high levels of drug-related deaths and few data describe their health/social care problems. Feasibility work suggests a collaborative health and social care intervention (Pharmacist and Homeless Outreach Engagement and Non-medical Independent prescribing Rx, PHOENIx) is potentially beneficial. We describe the methods of a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) with parallel process and economic evaluation of PEH with recent overdose. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Detailed health and social care information will be collected before randomisation to care-as-usual plus visits from a pharmacist and a homeless outreach worker (PHOENIx) for 6-9 months or to care-as-usual. The outcomes are the rates of presentations to emergency department for overdose or other causes and whether to progress to a definitive RCT: recruitment of ≥100 participants within 4 months, ≥60% of patients remaining in the study at 6 and 9 months, ≥60% of patients receiving the intervention, and ≥80% of patients with data collected. The secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life, hospitalisations, treatment uptake and patient-reported measures. Semistructured interviews will explore the future implementation of PHOENIx, the reasons for overdose and protective factors. We will assess the feasibility of conducting a cost-effectiveness analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study was approved by South East Scotland National Health Service Research Ethics Committee 01. Results will be made available to PEH, the study funders and other researchers. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN10585019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lowrie
- Pharmacy Services, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Frances Mair
- General Practice and Primary Care, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Donogh Maguire
- Emergency Department, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
- Academic Department of Surgery, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Vibhu Paudyal
- School of Pharmacy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Jane Moir
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Kate Stock
- Homeless Health, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Cian Lombard
- Homeless Health, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Jenni Hislop
- NHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Andrea E Williamson
- GPPC, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Gabrielian S, Cordasco KM, Finley EP, Hoffmann LC, Harris T, Calderon RA, Barnard JM, Ganz DA, Olmos-Ochoa TT. Engaging stakeholders to inform national implementation of critical time intervention in a program serving homeless-experienced Veterans. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1009467. [PMID: 36591052 PMCID: PMC9795188 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1009467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Veterans Affairs (VA) Grant and Per Diem Case Management "Aftercare" program provides 6 months of case management for homeless-experienced Veterans (HEVs) transitioning to permanent housing, with the aim of decreasing returns to homelessness. Implementing Critical Time Intervention (CTI)-an evidence-based case management practice-would standardize care across the 128 community-based agencies that provide Aftercare services. To prepare for national CTI implementation in Aftercare, guided by Replicating Effective Programs (REP), we conducted a four-site pilot in which we adapted a CTI implementation package (training, technical assistance, and external facilitation); characterized stakeholder perspectives regarding the acceptability and appropriateness of this package; and identified contextual factors that affected CTI implementation. We engaged a stakeholder workgroup to tailor existing CTI training and technical assistance materials for Aftercare. To provide tailored support for providers and leaders to adopt and incorporate evidence-based practices (EBPs) into routine care, we also developed external facilitation materials and processes. Over 9 months, we implemented this package at four sites. We conducted semi-structured interviews at pre-implementation, mid-implementation, and 6 months post-implementation, with HEVs (n = 37), case managers (n = 16), supervisors (n = 10), and VA leaders (n = 4); these data were integrated with templated reflection notes from the project facilitator. We used rapid qualitative analysis and targeted coding to assess the acceptability and appropriateness of CTI and our implementation package and identify factors influencing CTI implementation. Stakeholders generally found CTI acceptable and appropriate; there was consensus that components of CTI were useful and compatible for this setting. To adapt our implementation package for scale-up, this pilot highlighted the value of robust and tangible CTI training and technical assistance-grounded in real-world cases-that highlights the congruence of CTI with relevant performance metrics. Variations in agency-level contextual factors may necessitate more intense and tailored supports to implement and sustain complex EBPs like CTI. Processes used in this pilot are relevant for implementing other EBPs in organizations that serve vulnerable populations. EBP scale-up and sustainment can be enhanced by engaging stakeholders to tailor EBPs for specific contexts; pilot testing and refining implementation packages for scale-up; and using qualitative methods to characterize contextual factors that affect EBP implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Gabrielian
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), Veterans Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kristina M. Cordasco
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), Veterans Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Erin P. Finley
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), Veterans Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Lauren C. Hoffmann
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), Veterans Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Taylor Harris
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), Veterans Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ronald A. Calderon
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), Veterans Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jenny M. Barnard
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), Veterans Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - David A. Ganz
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), Veterans Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Greater Los Angeles Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tanya T. Olmos-Ochoa
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), Veterans Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Kaur S, Jagpal P, Paudyal V. Provision of services to persons experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study on the perspectives of homelessness service providers. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e1805-e1814. [PMID: 34668258 PMCID: PMC8653035 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the perspectives of homelessness service providers on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on service provision, barriers encountered and learning for the future. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with homelessness service providers (n = 15) identified through the network of homelessness services operating within the United Kingdom. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using framework technique. Six key themes were identified including the impact of the pandemic on health and well-being of persons experiencing homelessness (PEH); the changing needs of service users during the pandemic; impact of emergency provision of housing support on services offered; service adaptations; sustainability of services and learnings from the pandemic. Participants described that being able to offer accommodation through government schemes provided protection to PEH through 'wrap-around support'. The pandemic was deemed to have precipitated change and developed resilience in some services. However, lack of resources, donations and sponsors during the pandemic constrained the services forcing many to close or offer reduced services. Reduced face-to-face contact with PEH and lack of ability to offer skills sessions led to the exacerbation of mental health concerns amongst clients. The pandemic was also identified to have encouraged positive relationship building between clients and service providers, better communications between service providers and effective housing of PEH. There is a need to address the barriers, sustain the positive learnings and enable organisations and PEH to adapt to the transition when transient and emergency support from the government and local councils ends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Kaur
- School of PharmacyInstitute of Clinical SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Parbir Jagpal
- School of PharmacyInstitute of Clinical SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Vibhu Paudyal
- School of PharmacyInstitute of Clinical SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
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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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Khan A, Kurmi O, Lowrie R, Khanal S, Paudyal V. Medicines prescribing for homeless persons: analysis of prescription data from specialist homelessness general practices. Int J Clin Pharm 2022; 44:717-724. [PMID: 35606637 PMCID: PMC9126241 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-022-01399-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Specialist homelessness practices remain the main primary care access point for many persons experiencing homelessness. Prescribing practices are poorly understood in this population. Objective This study aims to investigate prescribing of medicines to homeless persons who present to specialist homelessness primary care practices and compares the data with the general population. Setting Analyses of publicly available prescribing and demographics data pertaining to primary care in England. Methods Prescribing data from 15 specialist homelessness practices in England were extracted for the period 04/2019-03/2020 and compared with data from (a) general populations, (b) the most deprived populations, and (c) the least deprived populations in England. Main outcome measure Prescribing rates, measured as the number of items/1000 population in key disease areas. Results Data corresponding to 20,572 homeless persons was included. Marked disparity were observed in regards to prescribing rates of drugs for Central Nervous System disorders. For example, prescribing rates were 83-fold (mean (SD) 1296.7(1447.6) vs. 15.7(9.2) p = 0.033) items), and 12-fold (p = 0.018) higher amongst homeless populations for opioid dependence and psychosis disorders respectively compared to the general populations. Differences with populations in the least deprived populations were even higher. Prescribing medicines for other long-term conditions other than mental health and substance misuse was lower in the homeless than in the general population. Conclusions Most of the prescribing activities in the homeless population relate to mental health conditions and substance misuse. It is possible that other long-term conditions that overlap with homelessness are under-diagnosed and under-managed. Wide variations in data across practices needs investigation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11096-022-01399-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleena Khan
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Om Kurmi
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK.,Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | | | - Saval Khanal
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Vibhu Paudyal
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
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Representation of persons experiencing homelessness and coding of homelessness in general practices: descriptive evaluation using healthcare utilisation data. BJGP Open 2021; 5:BJGPO.2021.0050. [PMID: 34045292 PMCID: PMC8450878 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2021.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epidemiological studies focused on primary healthcare needs of persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) are often based on data from specialist homeless healthcare services. Aim To explore the presentation of PEH, coding of homelessness, and associated health conditions in mainstream primary care general practices in England. Design & setting EMIS electronic database search of medical records was conducted across 48 general practices in a clinical commissioning group (CCG), representing one of the most socioeconomically deprived regions in England, which also lacks a specialist primary healthcare service for PEH. Method Key terms and codes were used to identify PEH, their respective diagnoses across 22 health conditions, and prescribed medications over the past 4 years. Results From a population of approximately 321 000, 43 (0.013%) people were coded as PEH, compared with a homelessness prevalence of 0.5% in the English general population. Mental health conditions were the most prevalent diagnoses among the PEH registrants (56.6%); the recorded prevalence of other common long-term conditions in PEH was lower than the levels observed in PEH registered with specialist homelessness health services. Conclusion In a population with approximately four times higher rate of statutory homelessness, PEH representation in mainstream general practices was under-represented by several folds. As homelessness overlaps with mental health, substance misuse, and long-term health conditions, consistent coding of homelessness in medical records is imperative in order to offer tailored support and prevention actions when patients present for services.
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