Hypertension control among patients receiving care from a field-based homeless healthcare team

In this study of nearly 900 PEH with hypertension, at least 3 clinical visits, and a median of over 6 months of follow-up at a field-based homeless healthcare program in Los Angeles County, we found a significant and clinically meaningful decline in blood pressure between the first and most recent measures and a significant improvement in blood pressure control. Our findings provide preliminary evidence for the role of field-based homeless healthcare in improving chronic disease management for PEH.

Field-based homeless healthcare programs may effectively manage chronic diseases among PEH as they make a purposeful effort to remove barriers to healthcare, including bringing care to where they live, providing affordable, compassionate, and judgment-free care, and addressing competing needs. As field-based homeless healthcare expands across the country, further research is needed to ascertain the effectiveness of such teams in improving chronic disease control in this highly vulnerable population.