Exploring Frontline Shelter Staff Perspectives on the Healthcare Needs of Clients Experiencing Homelessness

J Community Health Nurs. 2024 Jan 2;41(1):30-43. doi: 10.1080/07370016.2023.2256307. Epub 2023 Dec 30.

Abstract

Purpose: To examine healthcare service development needs for persons experiencing homelessness from the perspective of frontline staff at a homeless shelter in Montreal, Quebec.

Design: Qualitative descriptive design.

Methods: Purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews with frontline shelter staff (n = 8), and thematic analysis.

Findings: Themes included: 1) Challenges meeting healthcare service needs in a shelter environment. 2) Visions for improving healthcare services while accounting for health issues and barriers to care. 3) Participants' own knowledge gaps around health and healthcare services.

Conclusions: Future research should emphasize this group's crucial role in homelessness healthcare services development.

MeSH terms

  • Delivery of Health Care*
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons*
  • Quebec