SMI Intervention Case Study
This intervention is especially key to those who struggle with SMI. All health promotion material and medication education must be on a level easy to understand. Having patients repeat back the information or even teach the nurse what they were taught is an effective way to evaluate their knowledge of the information present to them. As previously mentioned, social factors should be taken into account when distributing medications to this population. It may not be feasible for a person to take certain types of medication depending on their living conditions.
One last intervention to help improve the lives of the homeless struggling with mental illness and substance abuse that I would implement is the integration of the homeless person
to a Housing First program. Studies show that Housing First is an effective solution to homelessness (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2016). Housing First is a “homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness, thus ending their homelessness and serving as a platform from which they can pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life” (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2016, para. 1). This program does not require for people to address all their problems, such as substance abuse and mental illness, before they can access housing (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2016). Evaluation of this intervention would be determined based on how many clients remain in the program and if they reintegrate into the community successfully. Research data shows this particular program to be effective. Patients have demonstrated great success at reintegrating back into the world after getting off the streets (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2016).
Summary
The vulnerable population of the homeless, especially those who suffer from mental illness and substance use disorders, is a serious public health concern in America.
One last intervention to help improve the lives of the homeless struggling with mental illness and substance abuse that I would implement is the integration of the homeless person
to a Housing First program. Studies show that Housing First is an effective solution to homelessness (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2016). Housing First is a “homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness, thus ending their homelessness and serving as a platform from which they can pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life” (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2016, para. 1). This program does not require for people to address all their problems, such as substance abuse and mental illness, before they can access housing (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2016). Evaluation of this intervention would be determined based on how many clients remain in the program and if they reintegrate into the community successfully. Research data shows this particular program to be effective. Patients have demonstrated great success at reintegrating back into the world after getting off the streets (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2016).
Summary
The vulnerable population of the homeless, especially those who suffer from mental illness and substance use disorders, is a serious public health concern in America.