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Birmingham , AL — A groundbreaking new study, utilizing the largest survey of Veterans with homeless experience to date, has identified tailored primary care as the key to improving health

outcomes. A recent article published by the Wiley Online Library details the research: Organizational and patient factors associated with positive primary care experiences for veterans with

current or recent homelessness - Kertesz - Health Services Research - Wiley Online Library-https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.14359  The research, conducted by a team led by Dr. Stefan

Kertesz, MD, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Birmingham’s VA Health Care System, revealed that patients experiencing homelessness benefit most from primary care services

carefully tailored to their specific needs. The study, which integrated thousands of surveys with advanced machine learning techniques, identified three factors that significantly enhance

clinic effectiveness:  * A strong team identity * High levels of senior leadership support for the clinic * Services that go beyond traditional office-based primary care, extending to

nonmedical assistance and strategies to establish trust with patients who may be distrustful of the health care system.  The findings hold significant implications for addressing the rising

homelessness crisis in the United States. As the debate on homelessness intensifies, this research underscores the importance of providing effective care for individuals who are homeless and

transitioning into housing.  Dr. Kertesz, drawing on his extensive experience as a primary care physician for individuals experiencing homelessness, emphasized that the study’s conclusions

should influence policy changes. The research highlights the urgent need for a homeless-tailored service model, rather than a generic one, to advance primary care for this uniquely

vulnerable population.  The study, funded by the Research & Development program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, involved co-investigators from VA Salt Lake City Health Care

System, University of Utah, VA of Greater Los Angeles, University of California Los Angeles, and UAB’s School of Public Health.  This groundbreaking research not only sheds light on the

critical role of tailored health care for homeless individuals but also paves the way for policy reforms aimed at addressing this pressing public health issue.  Read the full article here: 

Organizational and patient factors associated with positive primary care experiences for veterans with current or recent homelessness - Kertesz - Health Services Research - Wiley Online

Library-https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.14359