Abstract
Vulnerable populations have been steadily increasing, including homeless individuals and incarcerated persons. The emergency department (ED) can have a critical impact on vulnerable populations because many underserved patients rely on emergency departments for most of their medical care. Homeless and incarcerated patients experience higher levels of chronic and acute health problems resulting in increased ED utilization. Delivering health care to vulnerable populations is multifaceted and must include their health care needs and social factors. Understanding the unique and interpersonal systems-level challenges in providing health care to vulnerable populations will improve ED care for homeless and incarcerated patients.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Diversity and Inclusion in Quality Patient Care |
Publisher | Springer International Publishing |
Pages | 151-160 |
Number of pages | 10 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9783319228402 |
ISBN (Print) | 9783319228396 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2015 |
Keywords
- Communication barriers
- Cultural competency
- Cultural diversity
- Emergency department
- Health communication
- Health disparities
- Health status disparities
- Homeless persons
- Homelessness
- Incarcerated
- Patient communication
- Prisoner
- Quality improvement
- Street medicine
- Underserved
- Vulnerable populations
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)