A Qualitative Study to Describe the Nature and Scope of Street Medicine Programs in the United States

Original research
par
Medellin, T., Moczygemba, L. R., Thurman W.

Date de publication

2024

Géographie

USA

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Oui

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Oui

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

Although street medicine is a rapidly growing field in the United States, existing street medicine programs have rarely been studied collectively, limiting our understanding of the nature, scope, and range of street medicine programs in the U.S. 

Constatations/points à retenir

Results show that there is a high degree of variability among the structure, operations, and scope of care of street medicine programs. However, consistent among street medicine programs is the adoption of a patient-centered approach to care and the use of harm-reduction principles. Street medicine programs are also highly engaged with community partners and affiliate organizations that work in their local and regional areas. Because street medicine programs often serve as a bridge between formal healthcare entities and people experiencing homelessness, street medicine offers a strategy for reconnecting individuals to vital healthcare services.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

Qualitative interviews were conducted with representatives of 13 programs from across the U.S. to develop a broad characterization of street medicine programs. 

Mots clés

Barriers and enablers
Equity
Housing
Poverty
Harm reduction
Wrap-around services