Continuity of Care among People Experiencing Homelessness and Mental Illness: Does Community Follow-up Reduce Rehospitalization?

Objective: To examine whether timely outpatient follow-up after hospital discharge reduces the risk of subsequent rehospitalization among people experiencing homelessness and mental illness.

Data Sources: Comprehensive linked administrative data including hospital admissions, laboratory services, and community medical services.

Study Design: Participants were recruited to the Vancouver At Home study based on a-priori criteria for homelessness and mental illness (n = 497).

A 10-year retrospective analysis of hospital admissions and length of stay among a cohort of homeless adults in Vancouver, Canada.

Background: Homelessness is associated with a very high prevalence of substance use and mental disorders and elevated levels of acute health service use. Among the homeless, little is known regarding the relative impact of specific mental disorders on healthcare utilization. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between different categories of diagnosed mental disorders with hospital admission and length of stay (LOS) in a cohort of homeless adults in Vancouver, Canada.

Examining the relationship between health-related need and the receipt of care by participants experiencing homelessness and mental illness.

Background: People experiencing homelessness and mental illness face multiple barriers to care. The goal of this study was to examine the association between health service use and indicators of need among individuals experiencing homelessness and mental illness in Vancouver, Canada. We hypothesized that those with more severe mental illness would access greater levels of primary and specialist health services than those with less severe mental illness.