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Effect of a housing and case management program on emergency department visits and hospitalizations among chronically ill homeless adults: a randomized trial

An Effective Practice

Description

The study looked at the effectiveness of a case management and housing program. The intervention group was offered transitional housing after hospital discharge followed
by placement in long-term housing. Case management was offered on-site at primary study sites, transitional housing, and stable housing sites. Usual care participants received standard discharge planning from hospital social workers.

Goal / Mission

To assess the effectiveness of a case management and housing program in reducing the use of urgent medical services among homeless adults with chronic medical illnesses.

Impact

For every 100 homeless adults offered the intervention, the expected benefits over the next year would be 49 fewer hospitalizations, 270 fewer hospital days, and 116 fewer ED visits.

Results / Accomplishments

After adjusting for baseline covariates, the intervention group, compared to the usual care group, had relative reductions of 29% in hospitalizations, 29% in hospital days, and 24% in ED visits.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Stroger Hospital of Cook County
Primary Contact
Topics
Economy / Housing & Homes
Economy / Income
Organization(s)
Stroger Hospital of Cook County
Date of publication
May 2009
Location
Chicago, Illinois
For more details
Target Audience
Adults, Women, Men, Older Adults, Racial/Ethnic Minorities