Perspectives of homeless service providers on their work, their clients, and the healthcare system

Abstract

Purpose To describe the perspectives of homeless service providers who work for Chicago organizations that primarily serve persons experiencing homelessness. Methods A qualitative, cross-sectional study of Chicago homeless service providers (n = 17) consisting of a semi-structured interview and the Attitudes Toward the Homeless Inventory (ATHI). Interviews were analyzed for themes and patterns using inductive approach. Results Four categories of 16 themes describing homeless service providers’ perspectives and perceptions: 1) perspectives on work, 2) perspectives on the general population of those experiencing homelessness at large, 3) perceptions of the population of those experiencing homelessness based on client interactions, and 4) perceptions of hospitals and healthcare. Conclusions A richer understanding of the perspectives of homeless service may provide guidance in recruitment and training of workers in this area and offer insight into caring for persons experiencing homelessness in hospital settings.

When are clients helpful? Capitalising on client involvement in professional service delivery

“…They can attempt to steer consultants toward a favoured diagnosis or preferred course of action, complicating their involvement in the consulting process. In the literature on service research, client involvement has mixed effects [1][2][3][4][5]. Existing theories of collaboration address service co-creation [6], value co-creation [7], client participation in service innovation [8], and design thinking in innovation [9].…”

When are Clients Helpful? Capitalising on Client Involvement in Professional Service Delivery

“…They can attempt to steer consultants toward a favoured diagnosis or preferred course of action, complicating their involvement in the consulting process. In the literature on service research, client involvement has mixed effects [1][2][3][4][5]. Existing theories of collaboration address service co-creation [6], value co-creation [7], client participation in service innovation [8], and design thinking in innovation [9].…”