The effect of a non-congregate, integrated care shelter on health: A qualitative study.
Public Health Nurs
; 40(4): 487-496, 2023.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2290955
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To describe the experiences of unstably housed, medically vulnerable residents living at the Haven, a novel, non-congregate integrated care shelter operating in a historic hotel during the COVID-19 pandemic.DESIGN:
A qualitative descriptive design. SAMPLE/MEASUREMENT Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted in February and March 2022 with a purposive sample of 20 residents living in the integrated care shelter. Data were analyzed in May and June 2022 using the thematic analysis methods described by Braun and Clarke.RESULTS:
Six women and 14 men, ages 23-71 (M = 50, SD = 14), were interviewed. Lengths of stay at the time of the interview ranged from 74 to 536 days (M = 311 days). Medical co-morbidities and substance use details were collected at baseline. Three themes were identified (1) Autonomy, (2) supportive environments, and (3) stability and the need for permanent housing. Participants characterized the integrated care, non-congregate model as having multiple advantages over traditional shelter systems. Participants emphasized the role of nurses and case managers in providing a respectful, caring environment in the integrated shelter model.CONCLUSION:
Participants described acute physical and mental health needs which were largely met by the innovative integrated shelter care model. The effect of homelessness and housing insecurity on health is well documented, but few solutions exist that promote autonomy. Participants in this qualitative study emphasized the benefits of living in a non-congregate integrated care shelter and the services which promoted their self-management of chronic diseases. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Patients were the participants in the study, but were not involved in the design, analysis of interpretation of the data, or preparation of the manuscript. Due to this project's small scope, we could not involve patients or the public after the study concluded data collection.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Ill-Housed Persons
/
Delivery of Health Care, Integrated
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
Public Health Nurs
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
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