Discharge process for patients experiencing homelessness in the emergency department: A thematic qualitative study

People experiencing homelessness are more likely to utilize emergency departments than their non-homeless counterparts. However, obtaining a bed in a homeless shelter for patients can be complex. To better understand the challenges of finding a safe discharge plan for homeless patients in the emerge...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:PLoS ONE 2024, Vol.19 (6), p.e0304865
Main Authors: Marcus, Elle R, Carreras Tartak, Jossie A, Halasz, Helena, Chen, David, Lee, Jarone, He, Shuhan
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
Emergency service
Homeless persons
Homeless shelters
Homelessness
Hospitals
Medical research
Medicine, Experimental
Social workers
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Summary:People experiencing homelessness are more likely to utilize emergency departments than their non-homeless counterparts. However, obtaining a bed in a homeless shelter for patients can be complex. To better understand the challenges of finding a safe discharge plan for homeless patients in the emergency department, our team conducted interviews with emergency department social workers and homeless shelter case managers in the Boston area. We identified and mapped the stages in the processes performed by both parties, identifying challenges with successful placement into a shelter. Furthermore, we assembled a data dictionary of key factors considered when assessing a patient's fit for a homeless shelter. By identifying bottlenecks and areas of opportunity, this study serves as a first step in enabling homeless individuals to receive the post-discharge assistance they require.
ISSN:1932-6203
1932-6203
DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0304865