Health Care Disparities: Focus on

Homeless populations
Lisa Porter
Monica Harding

Introduction
Healthcare

disparities exist in many facets in our

country and the homeless population represents a
large portion of that disparity. Homeless
individuals are at a higher risk for misconceptions
by health care personnel, as well as increased
morbidity and mortality.

Objectives

To learn about the health care disparities that the

homeless population faces

To understand the economic, ethical, and safety issues

that contribute to the disparity

To know what actions should be taken when dealing with

the homeless population.

Vulnerability

Lack financial and transportation requirements to gain access to

healthcare

Fear of bias and judgement

Living conditions predisposed individuals to illness and disease

Increased mental health problems and addiction

Economic
Strain

on the healthcare system

Increased
No

requirement for resources

ability to pay for services

Nursing contribution
Nursing

can have a positive or negative impact on

homeless population

Many

nurses have a bias, fear, or misconception

towards homeless population

Personalized

education is required

Root Cause Analysis

Reference

Evans, M. (2012). Residential therapy; Hospitals take on findig housing for

homes patients, hoping to reduce readmissions, lower costs. Modern
Healthcare, 42(39), p.0006. Retrieved from http://0go.galegroup.com.libcat.ferris.edu/ps/i.do?&id=GALE|
A303531763&v=2.1&u=lom_ferrissu&it=r&p=ITOF&sw=w#

Lebrun-Harris, L.A., Baggett, T.P., Jenkings, D.M., Sripipatana, A., Shama, R.,
Hayashi, A.S., Daly, C.A., Ngo-Metzger, Q. (2013). Health Services Research,
48(3), p.992-1017. Doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.12009

Stanley, M.J. (2010). Teaching about vulnerable populations: Nursing students

experience in a homeless center. Journal of Nursing Education, 52(10), p.585588. Doi: 10.3928/01484834-20130913-03