Barriers to Healthcare for the Homeless Population
Barriers to Healthcare for the Homeless Population
Dana Duggan
University of Phoenix
Sheila De Vaugh, APRN, BC
August 3, 2009
Introduction A homeless person is defined as someone “who lacks a fixed, regular adequate night time residence or a person who resides in a shelter, welfare hotel, transitional program or place not ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations, such as streets, movie theaters, cars, abandoned buildings, etc.” (Cone, 2008, p. ). Homelessness is a growing problem in the United States that affects the psychological and physical aspects of its victims. Two of the fastest growing subpopulations of the homeless are single mothers and families. The word homeless implies being extremely vulnerable and more susceptible to health problems. The homeless population faces many health disparities, just a few are inadequate healthcare, prejudices, and lack of available resources. This paper focuses on identifying barriers to decrease health disparities among the homeless population. It also evaluates the presence of these barriers among healthcare professionals, why these barriers exist, and presents a possible solution to problems that the homeless population faces. The plan of action and the intended goal focuses on increasing awareness of the special needs that the homeless population require, while reducing hospitalizations and emergency room visits.
Identification of Barriers The homeless population face many barriers when it comes to receiving quality healthcare. Healthcare providers should provide unbiased care to all patients. However, the homeless have been branded with a certain stigmata of being beligerant, dirty, drunks. They are usually uninsured and frequent the emergency rooms using them as their primary means for treatment of their chronic health problems. The majority of the homeless are usually brought in via the 911 system because they were found intoxicated on a park bench or lying under some
Dana Duggan
University of Phoenix
Sheila De Vaugh, APRN, BC
August 3, 2009
Introduction A homeless person is defined as someone “who lacks a fixed, regular adequate night time residence or a person who resides in a shelter, welfare hotel, transitional program or place not ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations, such as streets, movie theaters, cars, abandoned buildings, etc.” (Cone, 2008, p. ). Homelessness is a growing problem in the United States that affects the psychological and physical aspects of its victims. Two of the fastest growing subpopulations of the homeless are single mothers and families. The word homeless implies being extremely vulnerable and more susceptible to health problems. The homeless population faces many health disparities, just a few are inadequate healthcare, prejudices, and lack of available resources. This paper focuses on identifying barriers to decrease health disparities among the homeless population. It also evaluates the presence of these barriers among healthcare professionals, why these barriers exist, and presents a possible solution to problems that the homeless population faces. The plan of action and the intended goal focuses on increasing awareness of the special needs that the homeless population require, while reducing hospitalizations and emergency room visits.
Identification of Barriers The homeless population face many barriers when it comes to receiving quality healthcare. Healthcare providers should provide unbiased care to all patients. However, the homeless have been branded with a certain stigmata of being beligerant, dirty, drunks. They are usually uninsured and frequent the emergency rooms using them as their primary means for treatment of their chronic health problems. The majority of the homeless are usually brought in via the 911 system because they were found intoxicated on a park bench or lying under some
References: Basics of Homelessness (2009). The Journal of the American Medical Association. 301 (17): 1771-1778. Retrieved on August 1, 2009. Cole, P.M. (2008). Caring for the vulnerable: Perspectives in nursing theory, practice, research. Jones and Bartlett. Leuning, C.J. & Bunkers, S.S. (2001). On global health and Justice: A nursing theory- guided perspective. Nursing Science Quarterly 14: 297. National Healthcare for the Homeless Council (2002). Retrieved on July 28, 2009 from www.NHCHC.org. Barriers to healthcare