The street medicine approach as a model of care for individuals who experience unsheltered homelessness in the United States: a systematic review.

Abstract

This systematic review examined the street medicine approach for individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the US. Twenty-one articles met inclusion criteria. Street medicine programs deliver primary care, wound care, mental health services, and harm reduction directly in outdoor locations. Evidence suggests these programs improve health care access, build trust, and reduce emergency department use. Most programs relied on volunteer or grant-based funding.