HOMELESS PERSONS DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE – organization and administration HEALTH SERVICES NEEDS AND DEMAND META-ANALYSIS EUROPE

This is a Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report focusing on the evidence of effective treatment for the types of ill-health from which homeless people often suffer. Homeless people constitute a heterogeneous population characterized by multiple morbidity (primarily alcohol and drug dependence, and mental disorders) and premature mortality. The problems need to be addressed by many measures, requiring a focused primary health care system and multi-agency cooperation. HEN, initiated and coordinated by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, is an information service for public health and health care decision-makers in the WHO European Region. Other interested parties might also benefit from HEN. This HEN evidence report is a commissioned work and the contents are the responsibility of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the official policies of WHO/Europe. The reports were subjected to international review, managed by the HEN team. When referencing this report, please use the following attribution: Wright N.M.J, Tompkins C.N.E (2005) How can health care systems effectively deal with the major health care needs of homeless people? Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe (Health Evidence Network report; http://www.euro.who.int/Document/E85482.pdf, accessed 27 January 2005).