The role of street medicine and mobile clinics for persons experiencing homelessness: A scoping review
Kaufman, Rebekah A.; Mallick, Mahwish; Louis, Jarvis Thanex; Williams, Mollie; Oriol, Nancy
Abstract
An estimated 5800 to 46,500 lives are lost due to homelessness each year. Experiencing homelessness and poor health are cyclically related. The study examined peer-reviewed literature on mobile clinics and street medicine serving homeless populations in the United States (2013-2023). A total of 15 articles were included in this review. Findings showed these programs provide primary care, behavioral health, and social services and positively impact the health system through their ability to defer emergency department and hospital visits, providing financial benefits. The authors conclude that while structural healthcare and housing reforms are needed, such programs can improve healthcare access and the healthcare system.