HEALthy Beginnings for Homelessness

(HB Trial)

Overseen By Benissa E. Salem, PhD, MSN, RN, CNL, PHN

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles

Disqualifiers: Hallucinations, Intoxication, Non-English, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 10

23 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment HEALthy Beginnings for Homelessness?

Research shows that case management and supportive housing interventions are effective for improving health outcomes in homeless individuals, including better mental health and reduced substance misuse. Additionally, comprehensive services can help chronically homeless adults maintain housing and improve their quality of life. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is the HEALthy Beginnings treatment for homelessness different from other treatments?

HEALthy Beginnings is unique because it is a nurse-led program that focuses on early intervention, promoting healthy practices and addressing complex psychosocial issues faced by homeless individuals, which is not typically the focus of standard homelessness interventions. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This is a mixed methods pilot feasibility trial of HEALthy Beginnings, an innovative, nurse-driven intervention. Middle-aged and older, homeless women (MAO-HW) will participate in the HEALthy Beginnings intervention and select MAO-HW will be invited to participate in post-intervention qualitative focus groups to evaluate the program.

Research Team

Benissa E. Salem, PhD, MSN, RN, CNL, PHN

Principal Investigator

University of California, Los Angeles

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for middle-aged and older women who are homeless. It aims to help them manage chronic diseases and promote overall health. Participants should be interested in joining a nurse-led program that includes group activities.

Inclusion Criteria

Self-reported multimorbidity (at least 2 physical/mental health conditions)

I was assigned female at birth.

I am 40 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

I experience hallucinations.

Exhibiting signs of acute intoxication (e.g., slurred speech, pin-point pupils, difficulty walking)

Non-English speaking

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Intervention

Participants engage in the HEALthy Beginnings intervention, including nine group sessions and six private sessions

12 weeks

9 group sessions, 6 private sessions

Post-intervention Evaluation

Participants complete a follow-up questionnaire and participate in a qualitative focus group to evaluate the intervention

1 week

1 focus group session

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• HEALthy Beginnings

Trial Overview The HEALthy Beginnings intervention is being tested, which is designed to support the health of homeless women with chronic illnesses through nursing care. The study will also gather feedback from participants after the intervention.

Participant Groups

Group I: HEALthy Beginnings Intervention group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Middle-aged, and older, homeless women (MAO-HW) participating in the HEALthy Beginnings Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Los Angeles

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,594

Recruited

10,430,000+

Hillman Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

130+

Findings from Research

Participants in a case management program for chronically ill, homeless individuals reported significant improvements in their health and well-being, largely due to the social support provided by case managers.

Key themes from interviews highlighted the importance of personal relationships with case managers, assistance in navigating healthcare systems, and the reduction of social isolation, suggesting that comprehensive social support is crucial for effective case management interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"Because somebody cared about me. That's how it changed things": homeless, chronically ill patients' perspectives on case management. Davis, E., Tamayo, A., Fernandez, A.[2022]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"Because somebody cared about me. That's how it changed things": homeless, chronically ill patients' perspectives on case management. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Health interventions for people who are homeless. [2023]

3. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Reasons for the hospitalization and length of stay of a homeless population in Montreal]. [2022]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Twelve-month client outcomes and service use in a multisite project for chronically homelessness adults. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Homeless Patients in the ICU: An Observational Propensity-Matched Cohort Study. [2022]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Where do people go when they first become homeless? A survey of homeless adults in the USA. [2022]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of a culturally adapted early childhood obesity prevention program among migrant mothers in Australia: a mixed methods evaluation. [2021]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pathways into homelessness: recently homeless adults problems and service use before and after becoming homeless in Amsterdam. [2022]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Homelessness, health status, and health care use. [2022]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A health care program for homeless children using Healthy People 2010 objectives. [2018]