COVID-19 and emergency care for adults experiencing homelessness

Jean Philippe Miller, Georgina Phillips, Jennie Hutton, Jessica L. Mackelprang, Gerard M. O'Reilly, Rob D. Mitchell, Cathie Smith, Biswadev Mitra

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Homeless individuals face many barriers to accessing healthcare, and EDs are often their primary entry point to the healthcare system. The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to exacerbate existing social inequities and health disparities, including barriers to accessing social services and healthcare. Addressing the complex social and chronic health issues associated with homelessness can be challenging within the acute care environment. This perspective reflects upon the delivery of emergency healthcare to patients experiencing homelessness, and highlights strategies for optimising health outcomes during and beyond the pandemic.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1084-1086
Number of pages3
JournalEMA - Emergency Medicine Australasia
Volume32
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2020

Keywords

  • coronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • emergency medicine
  • homelessness
  • pandemic

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