Improving Care for Patients Experiencing Homelessness

The HOME study is using data from homelessness services to uncover how different experiences of homelessness impact health – and what this might mean for GP practices

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Wired.gov

Homelessness and health are deeply interconnected. For people experiencing homelessness, ill health – whether physical or mental – can both drive and deepen their housing situation. Equally, frontline workers and those with lived experience know too well how all forms of homelessness negatively affect health outcomes. Compared with the general population, people experiencing homelessness face higher barriers to healthcare access and are more likely to receive poorer diagnoses and treatment.

A Ground-Breaking Research Project

To address this, Homeless Link, in partnership with University College London, Salford University, Expert Focus and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has launched a pioneering health research initiative. The project will link In-Form data – the case management and client relationship system widely used by homelessness services – with health data. The aim is to generate robust evidence to influence decision-makers at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), HM Treasury, local NHS Trusts and other health bodies to fund and support services for people experiencing homelessness.

Barriers to Mental Health Support

Research shows the scale of the challenge. Every homelessness accommodation provider surveyed by Homeless Link (100%) and nearly all day services (92%) reported barriers when trying to access mental health support for their clients. Services are being stretched to support rising numbers of people with increasingly complex needs, yet health pathways remain difficult to access and underfunded.

Although studies exist on specific health issues, homelessness-related mortality and health inclusion services, there remains no comprehensive picture of how homelessness impacts health across different circumstances. Nor do we have a clear understanding of how various types of homelessness services contribute to improving outcomes. A holistic evidence base is urgently needed to make a stronger, undeniable case for change.

Introducing the HOME Study

The Housing Model Evaluation (HOME) study is designed to fill this gap. By linking homelessness data from In-Form with health records, researchers will uncover how different experiences of homelessness, as well as different accommodation models, affect health outcomes. This will provide an unprecedented depth of insight into the relationship between housing and health. Practice managers can attend HOME study webinars, share information with colleagues and liaise with Homeless Link or local project leads to explore collaboration opportunities. Even small steps, such as facilitating data sharing or promoting service awareness, can make a significant impact in uptake of the initiative.

By engaging with and helping to facilitate the study, GP teams can better support patients experiencing homelessness, improve health outcomes and ensure primary care services are responsive to the complex needs of this population.