Access to Diabetes Care for Populations Experiencing Homelessness: an Integrated Review.

TitleAccess to Diabetes Care for Populations Experiencing Homelessness: an Integrated Review.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsWhite B, Logan A, Magwood GS
JournalCurr Diab Rep
Volume16
Issue11
Pagination112
Date Published2016 11
ISSN1539-0829
KeywordsAdult, Diabetes Mellitus, Health Services Accessibility, Homeless Persons, Humans, Middle Aged
Abstract

Populations experiencing homelessness with diabetes may encounter barriers to accessing comprehensive diabetes care to manage the condition, yet it is unclear to what extent this population is able to access care. We reviewed the literature to identify and describe the barriers and facilitators to accessing diabetes care and managing diabetes for homeless populations using the Equity of Access to Medical Care Framework. An integrated review of the literature was conducted and yielded 10 articles that met inclusion criteria. Integrated reviews search, summarize, and critique the state of the research evidence. Findings were organized using the dimensions of a comprehensive conceptual framework, the Equity of Access to Medical Care Framework, to identify barriers and facilitators to accessing care and managing diabetes. Barriers included competing priorities, limited access to healthy food, and inadequate healthcare resources. Facilitators to care included integrated delivery systems that provided both social and health-related services, and increased patient knowledge. Recommendations are provided for healthcare providers and public health practitioners to optimize diabetes outcomes for this population.

DOI10.1007/s11892-016-0810-y
Alternate JournalCurr. Diab. Rep.
PubMed ID27665302