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Review
. 2023 Dec 27:44:1606438.
doi: 10.3389/phrs.2023.1606438. eCollection 2023.

Screening for Unstable Housing in a Healthcare Setting

Raeann Ng  1 , Nilakshi Gunatillaka  1 , Helen Skouteris  2 , David Blane  3 , Claire Blewitt  2 , Suzanne Nielsen  4 , Elizabeth Sturgiss  1
Affiliations
Review

Screening for Unstable Housing in a Healthcare Setting

Raeann Ng et al. Public Health Rev. .

Abstract

Objectives: To describe existing tools for screening patients for unstable housing in a healthcare setting. Methods: A literature search was completed to retrieve articles published in the last 10 years on screening patients for unstable housing in a healthcare setting. Results: The current literature on screening patients for homelessness in healthcare settings describes a variety of tools administered by a range of healthcare providers, but all are based in the United States. Conclusion: The studies revealed the potential for effective screening in healthcare settings and positive engagement of patients and providers with screening. Key areas for future research include innovative methods of screening and evaluation of reliability and validity for a broader range of tools.

Keywords: community health; healthcare; homelessness; screening; unstable housing.

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Conflict of interest statement

SN has previously received funding from Seqirus to conduct research on prescription opioid related harms, and was a named investigator on an implementation trial of a buprenorphine depot product funded by Indivior (no funding received by self or institution). The remaining authors declare that they do not have any conflicts of interest.

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