Emergency Department Linkage to Care for Patients Experiencing Homelessness
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
In an effort to improve access to primary care at time of discharge, patients who are homeless will be given either enhanced follow up through a street medicine team or routine follow up in clinic.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. adult (≥18 years of age) DHMC ED patient, 2. currently unsheltered, defined as living on the streets, in a vehicle, or in another place not fit for human habitation, 3. anticipating ED discharge, with 4. a diagnosis listed below that requires short-term follow up: * COPD or asthma exacerbation * Bacterial or viral pneumonia * CHF with volume overload * SSTI * Dehydration requiring IV fluids * Hyperglycemia secondary to DM * Frostbite * First- and second-degree burns * Bacterial ENT infections * Diabetic foot infection * Traumatic head injury * Pregnancy * Opioid overdose 5. a stable location (i.e., an intersection, landmark, or encampment where they can be located by the street medicine team) within Denver County for at least 2 weeks. Exclusion Criteria: 1. have altered mentation (e.g., intoxication, or secondary to medical, psychiatric, or behavioral conditions) that are unable to communicate their location, contact information, or agree to follow up. 2. are pri