Abstract
Background and objective
People who are homeless or marginalised have poor engagement with mainstream healthcare services. The aim of this study was to explore patient and staff perspectives of a street-based, primary health service, to help identify factors influencing patient access and management.
Methods
A qualitative study was undertaken from April to September 2016. Interviews (n = 27) explored patients' experiences of accessing healthcare services. Interviews with allied service staff (n = 5) explored referral pathways and patients access to healthcare.
Results
Factors influencing patients willingness to access primary healthcare through the street health service were identified as doctor-patient empathy, better understanding of patient circumstances, fostering of social capital, facilitating referral pathways and supporting the transition to mainstream general practice as circumstances improve. Hospital discharge planning and followup management were identified as gaps in the continuity of service.
Discussion
Ease of access provided by a streetbased health service facilitates access to the healthcare system for homeless and marginalised patients.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 44-48 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Australian Journal of General Practice |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue number | 1-2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jan 2018 |