Relocating patients from homelessness practice to mainstream practices
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of activity aimed to relocate and integration of formerly homeless patients from Marywell healthcare centre to mainstream general practices in Aberdeen
IRAS ID
194783
Contact name
Vibhu Paudyal
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Robert Gordon University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
Marywell Healthcare Centre was established with the aim of providing healthcare to the homeless patient population in Aberdeen. It has a patient population of 385. Homelessness can often be a temporary status for the majority. Where patients have been rehomed or moved to a permanent address, it is expected that they are relocated to mainstream primary healthcare services, including GP surgeries and community pharmacies within their localities. Integrating previously homeless patients to mainstream primary healthcare services in their new localities can also provide opportunities for healthcare professionals to offer seamless care of patients.
This project proposal aims to undertake a formal evaluation of activity currently underway to relocate and integrate formerly homeless patients from Marywell Healthcare Centre to mainstream GP surgeries in patient’s own communities.
Relocation activity of patients from Marywell Healthcare Centre to mainstream practices have historically faced challenges. Anecdotal evidence suggests that patient concerns about their ongoing healthcare needs remain one of such challenges. A major relocation activity has been planned through joint efforts with Aberdeen Health and Social Care Partnership with various other partners such Drug Actions whereby over 50% of the current patient population will be supported to relocate to the mainstream surgeries by mid 2016.
This project aims to undertake a formal evaluation of the relocation activity to identify appropriate barriers and enablers to smooth relocation and seamless care can be identified and addressed in a sustainable model. Project involves interviews with patients eligible to move or have already moved from Marywell to mainstream practices, health care professionals and administrative staff of practices at both ends.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0535
Date of REC Opinion
23 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion