American journal of public health
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We compared the characteristics of chronically homeless and acutely homeless elderly veterans to better understand precipitants of homelessness. ⋯ Assessment of a range of factors is needed to address risk factors and events leading to homelessness. Further research with larger samples is needed to confirm the characteristics and needs of the elderly homeless veteran population.
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We identified predictors of emergency department (ED) use among a population-based prospective cohort of homeless adults in Toronto, Ontario. ⋯ Among homeless adults with universal health insurance, a small subgroup accounted for the majority of visits to emergency services. Frequent use was driven by multiple predisposing, enabling, and need factors.
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We systematically reviewed the health and social science literature on access to and use of information technologies by homeless persons by searching 5 bibliographic databases. Articles were included if they were in English, represented original research, appeared in peer-reviewed publications, and addressed our research questions. ⋯ Homeless persons used technologies for a range of purposes, some of which were health related. Many homeless persons had access to information technologies, suggesting possible health benefits to developing programs that link homeless persons to health care through mobile phones and the Internet.
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We sought to understand interpersonal and systems-level factors relevant to delivering health care to emergency department (ED) patients who are homeless. ⋯ Our study revealed practical and philosophical tensions in providing social care to patients in the ED who are homeless. Screening for homelessness in the ED and admission practices for patients who are homeless are important areas for future research and intervention with implications for health care costs and patient outcomes.