Medical Respite and Linkages to Outpatient Health Care Providers among Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

J Community Health Nurs. 2016;33(2):81-9. doi: 10.1080/07370016.2016.1159439.

Abstract

Medical respite programs provide nursing care and case management to individuals experiencing homelessness following hospitalization for an acute medical problem. One goal of these programs is to link clients to outpatient providers to decrease their reliance on hospital services. Through qualitative interviews with staff members (n = 8) and clients (n = 14) at a medical respite program, we explored processes of, and challenges associated with, linking clients to outpatient care. Six themes were identified, which offer insight about important considerations when linking clients to outpatient providers and highlight the value of medical respite programs for this population.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ambulatory Care* / organization & administration
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons*
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services
  • Middle Aged
  • Qualitative Research
  • Respite Care* / organization & administration