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

Public Health Reviews (Dec 2023)

Screening for Unstable Housing in a Healthcare Setting

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

Affiliations

Raeann Ng: School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, VIC, Australia
Nilakshi Gunatillaka: School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, VIC, Australia
Helen Skouteris: Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
David Blane: 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
Claire Blewitt: Health and Social Care Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Suzanne Nielsen: Monash Addiction Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Elizabeth Sturgiss: School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Frankston, VIC, Australia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/phrs.2023.1606438
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 44

Abstract

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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.

Published in Public Health Reviews

ISSN: 2107-6952 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Public aspects of medicine
Website: https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/public-health-reviews

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