Homelessness and the use of Emergency Department as a source of healthcare: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) often use hospital Emergency Department (ED) as the only source of healthcare. The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review to identify the prevalence, clinical reasons and outcomes in relation to ED visits by PEH.

Methods

A protocol-led (CRD42020189263) systematic review was conducted using search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Google Scholar databases. Studies that reported either the prevalence of homelessness in the ED or clinical reasons for presentation to ED by PEH and published in English language were included. Definitions of homelessness used by study authors were accepted.

Results

From the screening of 1349 unique titles, a total of 36 studies were included. Wide variations in the prevalence a

SUBMITTER: Vohra N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9330962 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature