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New to care: Demands on a health system when homeless veterans are enrolled in a medical home model

Author

Listed:
  • O'Toole, T.P.
  • Bourgault, C.
  • Johnson, E.E.
  • Redihan, S.G.
  • Borgia, M.
  • Aiello, R.
  • Kane, V.

Abstract

Objectives. We compared service use among homeless and nonhomeless veterans newly enrolled in a medical home model and identified patterns of use among homeless veterans associated with reductions in emergency department (ED) use. Methods. We used case-control matching with a nested cohort analysis to measure 6-month health services use, new diagnoses, and care use patterns in veterans at the Providence, Rhode Island, Veterans Affairs Medical Center from 2008 to 2011. Results. We followed 127 homeless and 106 nonhomeless veterans. Both groups had similar rates of chronic medical and mental health diagnoses; 25.4% of the homeless and 18.1% of the nonhomeless group reported active substance abuse. Homeless veterans used significantly more primary, mental health, substance abuse, and ED care during the first 6 months. Homeless veterans who accessed primary care at higher rates (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11, 1.92) or who used specialty and primary care (RRR = 10.95; 95% CI = 1.58, 75.78) had reduced ED usage. Homeless veterans in transitional housing or doubled-up at baseline (RRR = 3.41; 95% CI = 1.24, 9.42) had similar reductions in ED usage. Conclusions. Homeless adults had substantial health needs when presenting for care. High-intensity primary care and access to specialty care services could reduce ED use.

Suggested Citation

  • O'Toole, T.P. & Bourgault, C. & Johnson, E.E. & Redihan, S.G. & Borgia, M. & Aiello, R. & Kane, V., 2013. "New to care: Demands on a health system when homeless veterans are enrolled in a medical home model," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(S2), pages 374-379.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2013.301632_6
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301632
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    Cited by:

    1. Maeva Jego & Julien Abcaya & Diana-Elena Ștefan & Céline Calvet-Montredon & Stéphanie Gentile, 2018. "Improving Health Care Management in Primary Care for Homeless People: A Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-21, February.

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