Inappropriate Emergency Department Visits and Use of the Health Care for the Homeless Program Services by Homeless Adults in the Northeastern United States

Abstract

This study tested whether the use of the Health Care for the Homeless Program (HCHP) by homeless adults was associated with reduced risk of inappropriate emergency department (ED) use. Researchers interviewed 941 homeless adults at 52 soup kitchens. Of those interviewed, 508 reported having at least 1 ED visit during the last 6 months. Then, 243 subjects' 688 ED records were retrieved. Inappropriateness of each ED use was evaluated based on clinical criteria. Logistic regressions were applied. Having two or more HCHP visits [odds ratio (OR) = 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19, 0.90] by homeless adults was associated with decreased odds of having inappropriate ED visits.