Delivering primary health care to homeless people
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Delivering primary health care to homeless people: an evaluation of the integration, effectiveness and costs of different models (the HEARTH study)
IRAS ID
166467
Contact name
Maureen Crane
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Many homeless people have poor health and experience difficulties in accessing primary health care services. Since the 1980s the NHS has funded specialist primary health care services for homeless people, including health centres, mobile teams in hostels, and special services within GP practices. Some areas with a homeless population have no special service and generic GPs attend to their health needs. There is little evidence, however, about the best ways to deliver primary health care to homeless people and which schemes are more effective. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by evaluating the different models of primary health care provision for homeless people. It will
provide evidence for local NHS and Health and Well-being Board commissioners and primary health care workers about the best ways to deliver health care to homeless people, in terms of effectiveness and good value for money.Firstly, a mapping exercise will be undertaken across England to identify the location of the specialist homeless health services and the services they provide. We will then study in more detail eight services that represent all models of delivery (health centres, mobile teams, special services in GP
practices, and generic GP practices that treat homeless people). Information will be collected about how each service works, the help that is given to homeless people by the health team and by other agencies such as primary dental care services, and the extent to which their health and other needs are met. In particular we will examine the effectiveness of the health schemes in engaging homeless people in health screening, and in providing continuity of care over 12 months for people with specific chronic health conditions. The resources and costs required to deliver health care will also be examined.REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1382
Date of REC Opinion
5 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion