Dataset Information

Understanding aims, successes and challenges of palliative care and homelessness initiatives across the UK: an exploratory study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Due to the recognition that people experiencing homelessness (PEH) often die young and unsupported, a growing number of initiatives focusing on palliative care and homelessness are emerging across the UK. However, there has been no systematic exploration of the nature and landscape of this work.

Aims

To understand the range, aims, successes and challenges of current initiatives within the field of palliative care and homelessness in the UK, by exploring existing projects and initiatives.

Method

An online survey was distributed to members of an Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes network focusing on palliative care and homelessness for a mixed professional audience. The survey collated the aims, successes and challenges of initiatives aiming to improve palliative care for PEH. Responses were summarised using descriptive statistics, and free-text responses were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

162 professionals completed the survey. Of these, 62% reported involvement in at least one palliative care and homelessness initiative. Initiatives focused on service delivery (59%), training (28%) and research (28%). Themes for success included improved service engagement, relationship formation, housing provision, honouring end-of-life wishes, upskilling staff and enabling safe hospital discharge. The main challenges included stigma around substance misuse, securing funding, staff capacity, equipment and facilities, and engaging communities.

Conclusion

The number and scope of initiatives aiming to support PEH with advanced ill health and palliative care needs across the UK is growing, with a range of professionals engaging in the field. Future research may benefit from exploring initiatives in more detail to understand the specific drivers of impact on PEH and the staff and services supporting them.

SUBMITTER: Crooks J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10824023 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Understanding aims, successes and challenges of palliative care and homelessness initiatives across the UK: an exploratory study.

Crooks Jodie J Flemming Kate K Shulman Caroline C Hudson Briony B

BMJ open 20240125 1

<h4>Background</h4>Due to the recognition that people experiencing homelessness (PEH) often die young and unsupported, a growing number of initiatives focusing on palliative care and homelessness are emerging across the UK. However, there has been no systematic exploration of the nature and landscape of this work.<h4>Aims</h4>To understand the range, aims, successes and challenges of current initiatives within the field of palliative care and homelessness in the UK, by exploring existing project ...[more]

PMID: 38272553

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Dataset Information

Understanding aims, successes and challenges of palliative care and homelessness initiatives across the UK: an exploratory study.

Background

Aims

Method

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Understanding aims, successes and challenges of palliative care and homelessness initiatives across the UK: an exploratory study.

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