Developing an Embedded Nursing Service within a Homeless Shelter: Client's Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Homelessness presents complex health challenges.
• Access to healthcare is a significant barrier for homeless individuals.
• Integrated healthcare services within shelters can improve access and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences and perceptions of clients using a newly developed nursing service embedded within a homeless shelter.
• To understand the impact of previous healthcare experiences on service users.
• To identify perceived benefits and areas for future development of the integrated service.

Main Methods:

• Phenomenological case study approach.
• Semi-structured interviews with 6 clients of the nursing service.
• Thematic analysis to identify key themes in client experiences.

Main Results:

• Clients reported varied previous healthcare experiences, often negative.
• Significant benefits were perceived from having healthcare embedded within the shelter environment.
• Key themes included improved accessibility, trust, and holistic care.
• Clients provided valuable insights for future service enhancement.

Conclusions:

• Embedding nursing services within homeless shelters is a viable model for addressing complex health needs.
• Client-centered approaches are crucial for effective healthcare delivery to homeless populations.
• Further development should focus on expanding services based on user feedback and addressing identified barriers.