Typology of Currently or Formerly Homeless Individuals Based on Their Use of Health and Social Services.

This study identified profiles among 455 currently or formerly homeless individuals in Quebec (Canada), based on health and social service use. Using latent class analysis, four profiles were identified that grouped individuals with: (1) few health problems, and using few case managers and family doctors, but with high frequency of psychiatric consultations, emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations; (2) chronic physical illnesses, having case managers and family doctors, but low frequency of ED visits and hospitalizations; (3) moderate health problems and little service use; and (4) multiple and complex health problems and high frequency of service use. These profiles suggest the following recommendations to more adequately meet patient needs: regarding Class 1, improved outreach services, more ED liaison nurses and peer navigation; Class 2: more family doctors and case managers; Class 3: higher family doctors; and Class 4: more assertive or intensive case management, harm reduction and permanent housing resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]