Screening for Unstable Housing in a Healthcare Setting

Raeann Ng; Nilakshi Gunatillaka; Helen Skouteris; David Blane; Claire Blewitt; Suzanne Nielsen; Elizabeth Sturgiss

doi:10.3389/phrs.2023.1606438

Screening for Unstable Housing in a Healthcare Setting

Public Health Rev. 2023 Dec 27:44:1606438. doi: 10.3389/phrs.2023.1606438. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Raeann Ng¹, Nilakshi Gunatillaka¹, Helen Skouteris², David Blane³, Claire Blewitt², Suzanne Nielsen⁴, Elizabeth Sturgiss¹

Affiliations

¹ School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, VIC, Australia.
² Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
³ Department of General Practice and Primary Care, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
⁴ Monash Addiction Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

Abstract

Objectives: To describe existing tools for screening patients for unstable housing in a healthcare setting. Methods: A literature search was completed to retrieve articles published in the last 10 years on screening patients for unstable housing in a healthcare setting. Results: The current literature on screening patients for homelessness in healthcare settings describes a variety of tools administered by a range of healthcare providers, but all are based in the United States. Conclusion: The studies revealed the potential for effective screening in healthcare settings and positive engagement of patients and providers with screening. Key areas for future research include innovative methods of screening and evaluation of reliability and validity for a broader range of tools.

Keywords: community health; healthcare; homelessness; screening; unstable housing.

Publication types

Review

Grants and funding

This project was supported by the National Centre for Healthy Ageing Living Labs Program (LLP21-0832222963).