Palliative Care for Homeless Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Megan Rose Coverdale, Fliss Murtagh
Primary Institution: Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull
Hypothesis
What interventions and models of care are used to address the palliative and end of life care needs of adults who are experiencing homelessness, and are they effective?
Conclusion
Key components of care to support homeless adults needing palliative and end of life care include advocacy, multidisciplinary working, professional education, and community-based care.
Supporting Evidence
- Nine studies were included in the review, focusing on various interventions for homeless adults needing palliative care.
- Key components identified for effective care included advocacy and multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Educational programs improved staff knowledge and confidence in providing palliative care.
Takeaway
This study looks at how to help homeless people who are very sick and need special care at the end of their lives. It found that working together and listening to their needs is really important.
Methodology
A systematic review was conducted using standard methods, searching multiple databases for studies published since 2000, and assessing study quality.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of studies not reporting on interventions or models of care for at least 50% of their study population.
Limitations
The review primarily included qualitative data and lacked perspectives from homeless individuals themselves.
Participant Demographics
Most participants were white, with a significant male preponderance; some studies included black and transgender individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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