Crooks, Jodie, Flemming, Kate orcid.org/0000-0002-0795-8516, Shulman, Caroline et al. (1 more author) (2024) Understanding aims, successes and challenges of palliative care and homelessness initiatives across the UK:an exploratory study. BMJ Open. e075498. ISSN 2044-6055
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Due to the recognition that people experiencing homelessness (PEH) often die young and unsupported, a growing number of initiatives focusing on palliative care and homelessness are emerging across the UK. However, there has been no systematic exploration of the nature and landscape of this work. AIMS: To understand the range, aims, successes and challenges of current initiatives within the field of palliative care and homelessness in the UK, by exploring existing projects and initiatives. METHOD: An online survey was distributed to members of an Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes network focusing on palliative care and homelessness for a mixed professional audience. The survey collated the aims, successes and challenges of initiatives aiming to improve palliative care for PEH. Responses were summarised using descriptive statistics, and free-text responses were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: 162 professionals completed the survey. Of these, 62% reported involvement in at least one palliative care and homelessness initiative. Initiatives focused on service delivery (59%), training (28%) and research (28%). Themes for success included improved service engagement, relationship formation, housing provision, honouring end-of-life wishes, upskilling staff and enabling safe hospital discharge. The main challenges included stigma around substance misuse, securing funding, staff capacity, equipment and facilities, and engaging communities. CONCLUSION: The number and scope of initiatives aiming to support PEH with advanced ill health and palliative care needs across the UK is growing, with a range of professionals engaging in the field. Future research may benefit from exploring initiatives in more detail to understand the specific drivers of impact on PEH and the staff and services supporting them.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. |
Keywords: | Humans,Palliative Care,Qualitative Research,Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing,Ill-Housed Persons,Death,United Kingdom |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Health Sciences (York) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number NETSCC NIHR135250 |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 10 Jan 2025 10:10 |
Last Modified: | 27 Jan 2025 00:09 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075498 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075498 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:221610 |
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Description: Understanding aims, successes and challenges of palliative care and homelessness initiatives across the UK: an exploratory study
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