Background: individuals who are homeless encounter extreme health inequalities and as a result often suffer poor health. This study aims to explore ways in which access to healthcare could be improved for individuals who are homeless in Gateshead, UK.
Methods: twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with people working with the homeless community in a non-clinical setting. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: six themes were identified under the broad category of 'what does good look like', in terms of improving access to healthcare. These were: facilitating GP registration; training to reduce stigma and to provide more holistic care; joined-up working in which existing services communicate rather than work in isolation; utilising the voluntary sector as support workers could actively support access to healthcare and provide advocacy; specialised roles such as specialised clinicians, mental health workers or link workers; and specialised bespoke services for the homeless community.
Conclusions: the study revealed issues locally for the homeless community accessing healthcare. Many of the proposed actions to facilitate access to healthcare involved building upon good practice and enhancing existing services. The feasibility and cost-effectiveness of interventions suggested requires further assessment.
Keywords: access to healthcare; health inequalities; homelessness; interviews; qualitative research; support workers.
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