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Evaluation of a Virtual Health Hub for People Experiencing Homelessness in Sydney, Australia: Ensuring Physical and Psychological Primary Health Care in Crisis Accommodation

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  • Cathy O’Callaghan

    (International Centre for Future Health Systems (ICFHS), Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
    Clinical Services Integration and Population Health, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia)

  • Paul Clenaghan

    (Clinical Services Integration and Population Health, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia)

  • Alenda Dwiadila Matra Putra

    (International Centre for Future Health Systems (ICFHS), Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia)

  • Fiona Haigh

    (International Centre for Future Health Systems (ICFHS), Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
    Clinical Services Integration and Population Health, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia)

  • Sue Amanatidis

    (RPA Virtual Hospital (Rpavirtual), Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia)

  • Freya Raffan

    (RPA Virtual Hospital (Rpavirtual), Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia)

  • Nicole Lynch

    (Clinical Services Integration and Population Health, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia)

  • Margo Barr

    (International Centre for Future Health Systems (ICFHS), Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia)

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals experiencing homelessness have higher rates of chronic disease and face challenges accessing primary care. Virtual health care can reduce health inequity but needs user acceptance. A virtual health hub (VHH) for people experiencing homelessness in Sydney provided virtual GP and psychologist care within a crisis accommodation service. This included nursing assistance. Method: The VHH evaluation assessed the feasibility of the service specifically examining accessibility, efficiency, costs, technology, quality, and outcomes through attendance data, patient measures, stakeholder interviews, and case studies. Findings: Data indicated 40% client utilisation with high attendance for GPs and/or psychologists. All clients reported a high quality of care, appointment benefits, understanding clinicians, and treatment help, and that privacy was maintained. If the VHH was not available, one-third would not have sought treatment. The majority agreed that virtual care was the same or better than in-person care. Only a few experienced technical issues. Service provider interviews indicated the benefits of accessible and affordable care, perceived reduced hospital presentations, staff time saved, and reduced client costs. Limitations were the lack of physical examinations and lack of follow-up due to temporary accommodation. Strong stakeholder partnerships enabled implementation success. Conclusions: The VHH service is feasible and replicable with on-site assistance and stakeholder commitment.

Suggested Citation

  • Cathy O’Callaghan & Paul Clenaghan & Alenda Dwiadila Matra Putra & Fiona Haigh & Sue Amanatidis & Freya Raffan & Nicole Lynch & Margo Barr, 2024. "Evaluation of a Virtual Health Hub for People Experiencing Homelessness in Sydney, Australia: Ensuring Physical and Psychological Primary Health Care in Crisis Accommodation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(12), pages 1-19, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:12:p:1593-:d:1533515
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sabuj Kanti Mistry & Miranda Shaw & Freya Raffan & George Johnson & Katelyn Perren & Saito Shoko & Ben Harris-Roxas & Fiona Haigh, 2022. "Inequity in Access and Delivery of Virtual Care Interventions: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-12, August.
    2. Vanessa Heaslip & Stephen Richer & Bibha Simkhada & Huseyin Dogan & Sue Green, 2021. "Use of Technology to Promote Health and Wellbeing of People Who Are Homeless: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-18, June.
    3. Denise Warren & John Patrick Gilmore & Christine Wright, 2021. "Developing an Embedded Nursing Service within a Homeless Shelter: Client’s Perspectives," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-12, April.
    4. Grace Bennett-Daly & Hazel Maxwell & Heather Bridgman, 2022. "The Health Needs of Regionally Based Individuals Who Experience Homelessness: Perspectives of Service Providers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-18, July.
    5. Shannen Vallesi & Matthew Tuson & Andrew Davies & Lisa Wood, 2021. "Multimorbidity among People Experiencing Homelessness—Insights from Primary Care Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-16, June.
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