A place to heal: a qualitative focus group study of respite care preferences among individuals experiencing homelessness* |
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| Authors: | Brian Park Elizabeth Beckman Catherine Glatz Andrew Pisansky John Song |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health &2. Science University, Portland, OR, USA;3. Department of Public Health &4. Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health &5. Department of Family Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA;6. Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA;7. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA;8. Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA;9. Department of Anesthesia, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA;10. Center for Bioethics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA |
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| Abstract: | Homeless patients have longer hospital stays than housed persons due, in part, to a lack of safe discharge locations. Respite care for homeless individuals decreases hospital length of stay and readmissions rates. This study aimed to develop client-centered recommendations for medical respite care. We conducted four focus group interviews (n?=?25 participants) between August 2010 and February 2013 of homeless adult residents in Minnesota. Four domains of respite care were identified from content analysis of interviews: physical, relational, facilitation, and amenities. Novel recommendations include (a) a facility equipped to address mental health and substance dependence needs, (b) a standardized training protocol for respite staff, (c) the creation of a patient advocate, and (d) the creation of a respite case manager to facilitate post-discharge instructions and connection to primary care and social services. These new and actionable recommendations could help inform policies and the development of future medical respite care facilities. |
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| Keywords: | Homelessness respite care care transitions underserved populations patient-centered care |
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