Implementation of Shelter-Based Clinics for Homeless People

Implementation of Shelter-based Clinics for Homeless People
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February 23, 2023
As homelessness remains a pervasive issue worldwide, governments and non-profit organizations continue to find innovative ways to provide care and support to this vulnerable population. As nurse leaders, this issue presents an opportunity to help those in need by utilizing their medical knowledge and a nurse's ability to collaborate with other agencies.
Accordingly, one solution is to provide shelter-based clinics that offer a wide range of medical and social services to homeless individuals. According to Liu et al. (2020), homeless individuals are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions, infectious diseases, and mental health disorders due to their unstable living conditions and lack of access to medical care. Shelter-based clinics have proven to be effective in reaching out to this population and providing them with the care they need. The success of shelter-based clinics can be attributed to several factors, including their accessibility, affordability, and integrated services. Many of these clinics are in or near shelters, making accessing care easier for homeless individuals. They also provide services at little or no cost, removing financial barriers to care. Additionally, shelter-based clinics often offer various services, including primary care, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment, all under one roof, making it easier for patients to receive holistic care.
Accordingly, this article will focus on the implementation of shelter-based clinics as well as the use of a nurse leader's capacity to utilize evidence-based practice (EBP) in fostering long-term change in society in line with the goals of Healthy People 2030.
Implementing Healthy People 2030
Healthy People 2030 is a set of goals and objectives developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to improve the health of Americans by 2030. One of the critical objectives of Healthy People 2030 is to reduce homelessness and improve the health outcomes of homeless individuals (Lashley, 2022). In line with this goal, creating shelter-based clinics for homeless people is one of the strategies that can help achieve this objective. By providing comprehensive medical and social services to homeless individuals in a safe and accessible environment, shelter-based clinics can improve their health outcomes and reduce the burden on emergency departments.
Going back to the nurse leader role, the author believes that nurse leader plays a critical role in implementing shelter-based clinics. The nurse leader can advocate for homeless individuals and work with policymakers to secure funding for creating and maintaining these clinics. They can also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop protocols for providing care in the clinics and ensure that they meet the homeless population's needs.
The nurse leader can also play a role in recruiting and training healthcare professionals to work in the clinics, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care to homeless individuals.
Overall, the nurse leader plays a critical role in the implementation and success of shelter-based clinics for homeless individuals, ensuring that they provide high-quality care and improve the health outcomes of this vulnerable population.
Creation of a Shelter-based Clinic
In order to successfully organize a shelter-based clinic, there must be careful planning and collaboration with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and shelter staff. The following steps can be taken to organize a shelter-based clinic: Firstly, a suitable location should be identified, preferably near or within a shelter, to ensure it is easily accessible to homeless individuals. A detailed plan should then be developed outlining the clinic's services, the staff required, and the equipment and supplies needed.
Funding for the clinic can be obtained through various sources, including government grants, private donations, and fundraising efforts. Healthcare professionals such as nurses, physicians, and social workers can be hired to provide services in the clinic. Collaboration with other healthcare organizations and community groups can also be established to provide additional resources and support (Lim et al., 2020). Compliance with regulatory requirements such as licensing, accreditation, and health and safety standards should be ensured.
Finally, an electronic health record system can be implemented to ensure accurate and time...