Integrated approach to complex Heath needs of homeless populations

Depaul’s Health Initiative is part of a network of services that bring improved care to this group at a variety of settings since 2007.  We are now faced with the challenges of an ageing homeless population where access is not the only barrier to meeting care needs and that specialist assessment,  coordination, advocacy and peer support improves engagement and retention within our current established health services. Our Health Initiative provides community based care in the field of inclusion and leading innovative approaches that have changed practice and engagement in the emerging field of Inclusion Health in Dublin. Depaul’s nursing team have implemented 4 key strategies to continuously improve our established primary care services, in order to adapt to the changing needs of individuals and our partner agencies, achieve positive hospital discharges and prevent re-admission. We integrate health and housing services through the use of cross speciality multidisciplinary teams, provision of primary care services, Complex case management, establishing Specialist care pathways and improving resettlement opportunities.   In addition, we are committed to involving the people we work with in the ongoing development of our service and are in the process of developing a Homeless Health Peer Advocate programme with a specific health focus. This programme will improve patient attendance to appointments as well as provide training and development opportunities for our service users to develop skills and move into paid employment.