Street Medicine Follow-Up for Homelessness
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to improve healthcare access for people experiencing homelessness after leaving the emergency department. Participants will receive either a referral to a street medicine team, which provides care directly on the streets, or a referral to a standard follow-up clinic. The goal is to determine which method better helps patients manage their health. The trial seeks adults currently living without shelter, located at a specific site in Denver County, and recently discharged from the emergency department with certain medical conditions, such as asthma attacks or dehydration. As an unphased study, this trial offers participants the opportunity to contribute to important research that could enhance healthcare solutions for vulnerable populations.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.
What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for patients who are homeless?
Research has shown that street medicine is generally safe and well-received. One study found that it helps people without homes improve their health by providing care directly where they are. This method removes many obstacles to accessing healthcare. Another study found that street medicine, including mobile crisis care, leads to better health outcomes for people living on the streets.
Overall, evidence suggests that street medicine is a safe way to provide healthcare to homeless populations. It focuses on reaching people where they are, making it easier for them to receive medical help. The studies reviewed did not report any serious safety issues.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Street Medicine Follow-Up for homelessness because it offers a unique approach to healthcare for individuals experiencing homelessness. Unlike the standard of care, which involves referring patients to a rapid follow-up clinic, street medicine involves taking healthcare directly to the patients where they are, minimizing barriers to access. This approach could lead to better continuity of care and improved health outcomes by meeting patients in their own environments, ensuring they receive the necessary follow-up without the need to travel to a clinic.
What evidence suggests that street medicine follow-up is effective for improving access to primary care for the homeless?
Research has shown that street medicine programs, a treatment option in this trial, significantly improve the health of people who are homeless. One study found that these programs reduced emergency room visits by 75% and hospital stays by 66%. Street medicine teams deliver healthcare directly to people living on the streets, making medical help more accessible. By offering mobile and organized medical services, they manage health problems more effectively. This approach has proven effective in helping people without homes receive necessary care, leading to better overall health.23467
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jason Haukoos, MD MSc
Principal Investigator
Denver Health Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 who are experiencing homelessness, specifically those living on the streets or in places not meant for human habitation. It's aimed at patients being discharged from the emergency department with conditions like dehydration, diabetes complications, frostbite, breathing issues due to COPD/asthma, pneumonia, heart failure with fluid buildup, or skin infections.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Patients are referred to either the Comprehensive Care Clinic or the street medicine clinic at time of discharge
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for follow-up rates, ED visits, hospitalizations, and mortality
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Street Medicine Follow Up
Trial Overview
The study is testing whether follow-up care provided by a street medicine team can improve health outcomes compared to standard clinic follow-ups for homeless individuals after they leave the emergency department.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Patients will receive a referral to street medicine at time of discharge
Patients will receive a referral to a rapid follow up clinic at time of discharge
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Denver Health and Hospital Authority
Lead Sponsor
Citations
The Role of Street Medicine and Mobile Clinics for Persons ...
Notably, street medicine programs have decreased ED visits and hospitalizations by 75% and 66%, respectively [33]. In a cohort of PEH who were ...
Full article: Healthcare outcomes for unsheltered persons ...
This study evaluated a Street Medicine approach to examine and reduce the complex barriers to care by providing coordinated mobile services.
Evaluation study of joint social work and healthcare provision
The objective of this evaluation study is to assess the impact of an intervention in nurse-led healthcare outreach services to people experiencing homelessness.
The Data Is Clear: Street Medicine Works
A new study shows that street medicine and mobile crisis care dramatically improve health outcomes for unsheltered people.
5.
digitalcommons.liberty.edu
digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=8926&context=doctoralthe impact of street medicine programs on addressing poor ...
This research examined the effectiveness of street medicine models in a local community population and homeless shelter. Chapter one ...
Understanding the role of street medicine in harm reduction
This study was conducted in the St. Louis region at a low-barrier safe haven shelter, multiple homeless encampments, and on the street with ...
Overcoming Challenges in Street Medicine
Unsheltered homelessness is on the rise, especially in the largest US cities. • There are dozens of meaningful reasons why those on the street ...
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