Health Care for the Homeless Network (HCHN) Encounter Database is utilized to respond to the reporting requirements of federal agencies that fund HCHN programs (the Bureau of Primary Health Care, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development). The records of 6,142 individuals living in families (26% of the total unduplicated individuals, 1996-1998) representing 21% of all encounters were analyzed to determine whether the database could be utilized to answer questions beyond demographic information and guide program planning. Three hypothesis were posited and tested: 1) Individuals with diagnoses in the domains of mental health or chemical dependency were more likely to remain in the HCHN system longer than those with a diagnoses in the domains of physical health, abuse issues, or developmental delay, 2) The more health domains in which an individual had a diagnosis the longer the individual was likely to remain in the HCHN system, and 3) A small percentage of the homeless family population utilized the majority of the resources. The analysis supported hypotheses 2 and 3, and demonstrated that individuals with diagnosis in the domains of developmental delay or chemical dependency were more likely to be in the system longer. Findings from the analysis of the database can be utilized to plan for services for homeless families and can be utilized to evaluate outcome goals as changes are implemented.
Learning Objectives: Discuss the use of data collected to respond to federal reporting requirements of funding agencies to answer questions about the homeless family population beyond demographic information. Describe characteristics of the homeless family population that can be used to direct homeless services planning as a result of this analysis.
Keywords: Homelessness, Homeless Health Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.