The introduction of a homeless healthcare team in hospital improves staff knowledge and attitudes towards homeless patients

Abstract

It is estimated that 12,300 people slept rough in 2018, a 98% increase since 2010. Similar trends can be seen in the number of people living in tents or sleeping on overnight public transport. Such individuals are five times more likely than age-matched, housed people, to attend hospital. This is due to the severe ill-health and poor engagement with primary care, prevalent among this population. Following the introduction of the Homeless Reduction Act 2017, hospitals must now take a more personalised approach to their homeless patients, ensuring that ongoing care is accessible after discharge. Here, we demonstrate that employment of a dedicated homeless housing officer within a district general hospital can radically improve both staff attitudes towards this patient group as well as individual patient outcomes.

Nudge nudge, wink wink

“…The 2017 Homeless Reduction Act puts a burden on hospitals to provide better postdischarge care of these individuals, and Barrow and Medcalf describe the value of appointing dedicated staff to address this issue. 2 There is a nudge of improving staff attitudes, but more importantly they also show improved patient outcomes.…”

Homelessness, hospital discharge and challenges in the context of limited resources: A qualitative study of stakeholders' views on how to improve practice in a deprived setting

“…Effective hospital admission and discharge for this population have been found to be cost effective through reduced length of stay in hospital, if their housing status is addressed early, and through reduced readmission to hospital if discharged at a suitable time and to appropriate accommodation for recovery (White, 2011). Hospitals have a key role in referrals and effective collaboration with homelessness service providers in helping to address revolving door admissions (Barrow & Medcalf, 2019). Hodson and Glennerster (2020) argue that professionals should be slower to discharge people experiencing homelessness (than the general public), because discharge can undermine their dignity and health.…”

“…Hospitals have a key role in referrals and effective collaboration with homelessness service providers in helping to address revolving door admissions (Barrow & Medcalf, 2019). Hodson and Glennerster (2020) argue that professionals should be slower to discharge people experiencing homelessness (than the general public), because discharge can undermine their dignity and health.…”