Where's the Disconnect? Exploring Pathways to Healthcare Coordinated for Youth Experiencing Homelessness in Toronto, Canada, Using Grounded Theory Methodology
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 4710294 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Alzahra Hudani (0000-0002-3455-9596, University of Ottawa, corresponding author), Ronald Labonté (0000-0002-0615-740X, University of Ottawa), Sanni Yaya (0000-0002-4876-6043, University of Ottawa) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 298-310 |
| Publication date | 2024-03-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Qualitative Health Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1177/10497323231208417 |
| PMID | 37948631 |
| OpenAlex | W4388560592 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
| References cited | 22 |
About 900 youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) reside at an emergency youth shelter (EYS) in Toronto on any given night. Several EYSs offer access to healthcare based on youths' needs, including access to primary care, and mental health and addictions support. However, youth also require healthcare from the broader health system, which is often challenging to navigate and access. Currently, little is known about healthcare coordination efforts between the EYS and health systems for YEH. Using grounded theory methodology, we interviewed 24 stakeholders and concurrently analyzed and compared data to explore pathways to healthcare coordinated for youth who reside at an EYS in Toronto. We also investigated fundamental parts (i.e., norms, resources, regulations, and operations) within the EYS and health systems that influence these pathways to healthcare using thematic analysis. A significant healthcare coordination gap was found between these two systems, typically when youth experience crises, often resulting in a recurring loop of transition and discharge between EYSs and hospitals. Several parts within each system act interdependently in hindering adequate healthcare coordination between the EYS and health systems. Incorporating training for system staff on how to effectively coordinate healthcare and work with homeless populations who have complex health needs, and rethinking information-sharing policies within circles of care are examples of how system parts can be targeted to improve healthcare coordination for YEH. Establishing multidisciplinary healthcare teams specialized to serve the complex needs of YEH may also improve healthcare coordination between systems, and access and quality of healthcare for this population
Environmental health · Health care · Healthcare system · Multidisciplinary approach · Political science · Population · Public relations · Qualitative research · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes · Homelessness and Social Issues · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology
Revolutionary Change Theories
Mortality in a Cohort of Street Youth in Montreal
Constructivist grounded theory
Health interventions for people who are homeless
Thematic analysis
Open for Business
Putting the system back into systems change
Health Care for the Homeless
The Health of Street Youth
Thematic Analysis
| Citations per year | 1.5 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2024 - 2026 (3) |
| Highly cited | No |