The role of the emergency department in the care of homeless and disadvantaged populations.
This article provides an overview of the role of the emergency department (ED) in the care of homeless and disadvantaged populations. It suggests that organized emergency medicine can have a significant impact on total community health by maintaining a universal "safety net" for the delivery of integrated health and human services. The epidemiology of social deprivation among ED patients is examined, with a particular focus on homelessness. Current research on the value of socio-medical integration in the ED setting is discussed, with emphasis on selected initiatives that have demonstrated feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and impact.
Morris
David M
DM
Department of Emergency Medicine, MetroWest Medical Center, Framingham Union Hospital, Framingham, MA 01702, USA. DMorris@quantech.net
Gordon
James A
JA
D000328:Adult; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017057:Medically Uninsured / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011203:Poverty; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology