What is the Social Medicine Housing Initiative studying for adults who are unhoused?

The Social Medicine Housing Initiative is being studied to evaluate its impact on reducing emergency department visits and hospital stays for adults without housing who have complex health needs. Researchers also want to understand how the program affects participants' well-being and how best to implement it. The University Health Network leads this research to improve housing and health outcomes.

Who may be eligible for this homeless persons clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 or older who have had multiple hospital admissions or emergency visits in the past 6 months and are currently without housing or identify as Indigenous may be eligible. The study includes all genders and prioritizes historically marginalized groups. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this homeless persons clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the housing program and all research activities, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses to attend visits or interviews may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID06723093

Evaluating the Impact of a Supportive Housing Program on Adults Who Are Unhoused and Have Complex Health Needs Focusing on Health Outcomes and Healthcare Use

Led by University Health Network, Toronto · Updated on 2024-12-09

100

Participants Needed

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a supportive housing program designed for adults who are unhoused and have complex health needs. This study uses a cohort design with a matched control group to assess the programs impact on emergency department visits and hospital stays. The study also explores participant well-being, program implementation, fidelity, and cost-effectiveness, using a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation framework that combines quantitative and qualitative methods. The intervention, called the Social Medicine Housing Initiative, provides permanent supportive housing without prerequisites such as substance use cessation or treatment adherence. Housing is offered through a rent-geared-to-income model, with participants paying up to 30% of their income. Alongside housing, customized social and medical support tailored to individual needs is provided in collaboration with housing providers, the Social Medicine team, and community agencies. A matched control group is created by selecting individuals similar in health service use from administrative hospital records. Participants who join the housing program and consent to the study will engage in surveys and interviews assessing their well-being and experiences. Data on health service use, including emergency visits and hospital days, will be collected from administrative databases over 30 months. This comprehensive approach combines participant feedback and health data to evaluate the programs effects, with no exclusion criteria for study participation once enrolled in the housing initiative.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Evaluation of a Supportive Housing Program for Adults Who Are Unhoused and Have Complex Health Needs

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Participants must be 18 years or older.
Must have had 2 or more inpatient admissions or 6 or more emergency department visits in the past 6 months.
Must be currently without housing, defined as spending at least one night in a shelter or receiving assistance from city-funded street outreach providers in the past 90 days, or identify as Indigenous.
Historically marginalized groups, including people with disabilities, women, gender-diverse individuals, and Indigenous people are prioritized.
Must accept to participate in the Social Medicine Housing Initiative and provide consent for the study.

You will not qualify if you...

Individuals unable or unwilling to provide consent for the study.
Those not enrolled in the Social Medicine Housing Initiative are excluded from the research study.

Research Team

Andrew S Boozary, MD MPP CCFP

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