Recommendations for Caring for the Homeless
NEJM – Journal Watch
By Kelly Young
Edited by André Sofair, MD, MPH, and William E. Chavey, MD, MS
Two Lancet articles highlight the unique healthcare challenges faced by homeless patients.
Some of the clinician-oriented recommendations from the authors include:
- Be particularly cognizant of infectious diseases like tuberculosis.
- Develop positive interpersonal relationships with patients who are homeless by respecting the individual and upholding the patient’s dignity.
- Integrate smoking cessation treatment into addiction treatment.
- Consider simplified treatment regimens for hypertension and diabetes with medications that do not have to be taken with food.
- Screen homeless adults aged 50 years and up for cognitive impairment, mobility impairment, urinary incontinence, and falls, and treat problems accordingly.
Link(s):
Lancet article #1 (Free abstract)
Lancet article #2 (Free abstract)
Background: NEJM Journal Watch Women’s Health coverage of healthcare for homeless women (Your NEJM Journal Watch registration required)
Background: Physician’s First Watch coverage of AAP recommendations on treating homeless children (Free)
– See more at: http://www.jwatch.org/fw109451/2014/10/24/recommendations-caring-homeless?query=topic_substabuse#sthash.UhFbFx8C.dpuf