Palliative Medicine; 2018 32(1) p. 36-45
Shulman,
Caroline; Hudson, Briony F; Low, Joseph; Hewett, Nigel; Daley, Julian; Kennedy,
Peter; Davis, Sarah; Brophy, Niamh; Howard, Diana; Vivat, Bella; Stone, Patrick
The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of current and formerly homeless people,
frontline homelessness staff (from hostels, day centres and outreach teams) and
health- and social-care providers, about the challenges of supporting homeless
people with advanced ill health, and to make suggestions for improving care. It highlights the complexities of identifying who is palliative and the lack of appropriate services for homeless people who have high support needs, particularly in combination with substance misuse issues. Recommendation include increased collaboration between services, the promotion of in-reach into hostels and greater training and support for all professional groups.