Understanding Street Medicine Programs in the U.S.
Author Information
Author(s): Teresa Medellin, Leticia R. Moczygemba, Whitney Thurman, Paul B. Tchounwou
Primary Institution: University of Texas, Austin
Hypothesis
What are the operational aspects and characteristics of street medicine programs in the United States?
Conclusion
Street medicine programs vary widely in their operations and scope but consistently adopt a patient-centered and harm-reduction approach to care.
Supporting Evidence
- Street medicine programs are emerging to address the health needs of unsheltered homeless individuals.
- Programs emphasize harm-reduction principles and patient-centered care.
- Variability exists among programs in terms of structure, operations, and scope of care.
Takeaway
Street medicine programs help homeless people get medical care right where they are, like on the streets, instead of making them go to a clinic.
Methodology
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from 13 street medicine programs across 10 states.
Limitations
The study involved a limited number of participants, which may restrict the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
Participants included physicians, physician assistants, nurses, community health workers, medical students, a social worker, and a director of services, all with at least one year of experience in their roles.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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