Experience-based knowledge in the care of homeless people with severe illness and complex care needs

• Background: The number of homeless people in Sweden amounts to approximately 34 000. Of those about 4500 live in streets or shelters. The mortality rate among homeless people outnumbers other groups in the society. Often they have severe, multiple mental and physical illnesses, drug abuse and a variety of complex care needs, including palliative. From an international perspective, research related to care for homeless people with severe illness and complex care needs is very sparse (no Swedish studies have been identified). Among the few that have been found, challenges related to the homeless situation and the illness panorama are reported. From the perspective of the homeless persons themselves, studies report stigmatisation, lack of respect and competence among health-care professionals, and insufficient organisation of health care.Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the development of experience-based knowledge among health care professionals and social workers in a unique setting, in which advanced inpatient health -and social care, including palliative care is provided to homeless people.Methods: In this on-going qualitative case-study, clinically relevant and applicable knowledge is focused. Repeated focus group discussions and coupled thematic interviews were performed with staff (physicians, social workers, mental carers, nurses). Analysis is performed with an interpretive descriptive method.Results and implication: The results, which are currently being processed, will present staffs’ experiences of identification and assessment of individual care needs, specific knowledge development and requirement in relation to palliative care and homelessness, and challenges, obstacles and opportunities for meeting the needs of severely ill and dying homeless people. The results will provide knowledge of importance for the development of care for severely ill homeless persons.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Omvårdnad

Nursing

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)