BEST PRACTICES TO IMPROVE CARE IN HOMELESS PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

The intention of this thesis is to discover how care can be improved in homeless patients with diabetes mellitus. The thesis will create evidence-based recommendations for improving the care for this population, as the evidence derived from literature will demonstrate that homeless individuals with diabetes are at higher risks for mismanagement of their disease process and at risk for further complications from this disease while experiencing homelessness. The best practice recommendations include holding support groups lead by licensed healthcare professionals. It would be beneficial for the patient’s care to implement Community Health Center, hospital, and shelter meetings to improved consistent communication and education between the shelters, Community Health Centers, and hospitals. Additionally, an advantageous intervention such as providing educational resources available for the population can be recommended which includes resources where to access care, transportation to the Community Health Center, access to medication and blood glucose testing equipment, and healthy food. The last recommendation was to include diabetes meals that would be provided at food pantries or shelters for a more patient-specific approach to their necessary nutrients. The final chapter of this thesis will use the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework to come up with a proposal on how these recommendations will be implemented.