Homeless health needs: shelter and health service provider perspective.
The effects of homelessness on health are well documented, although less is known about the challenges of health care delivery from the perspective of service providers. Using data from a larger health needs assessment, the purpose of this study was to describe homeless health care needs and barriers to access utilizing qualitative data collected from shelter staff (n = 10) and health service staff (n = 14). Shelter staff members described many unmet health needs and barriers to health care access, and discussed needs for other supportive services in the area. Health service providers also described multiple health and service needs, and the need for a recuperative care setting for this population. Although a variety of resources are currently available for homeless health service delivery, barriers to access and gaps in care still exist. Recommendations for program planning are discussed and examined in the context of contributing factors and health care reform.
a Department of Nursing , North Dakota State University, College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Sciences , Fargo , North Dakota.
Alicia J
AJ
Hauff
Molly
M
Secor-Turner
D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D006291:Health Policy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006801:Humans; D012946:Social Welfare; D014481:United States