Improving homeless persons' utilisation of primary care: lessons to be learned from an outreach programme in The Netherlands

Arianne M. J. Elissen*, Arno J. A. Van Raak, Emmy W. C. C. Derckx, Hubertus J. M. Vrijhoef

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Elissen AMJ, Van Raak AJA, Derckx EWCC, Vrijhoef HJM. Improving homeless persons' utilisation of primary care: lessons to be learned from an outreach programme in The Netherlands Faced with rising homelessness, countries around the world are in need of innovative approaches to caring for those without shelter, who, more often than not, suffer from severe health problems. We conducted a case study of an innovative Dutch Primary Care for the Homeless (PCH) programme to gain insight into clients' demographic characteristics, health problems and service use, and to develop an explanation for its success in increasing the latter. Our analyses are based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative data. The results of the study suggest that the success of the PCH programme can be explained by the providers' pragmatism and will to adapt their mode of care provision to the behavioural patterns and needs of their homeless clients.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)80-89
JournalInternational Journal of Social Welfare
Volume22
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2013

Keywords

  • homelessness
  • health care needs
  • outreach care programmes
  • service utilisation
  • adaptation of care

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