Enhancing healthcare for the homeless, one shower at a time

1.1 Background Preventable illnesses, injury, and disease may result in irreversible chronic conditions that adversely impact the homeless if left undiagnosed and untreated. Homeless counts conducted by Morgan State University and Johns Hopkins University this winter revealed that Baltimore's overall homeless population swelled nearly 20% the past two years. The number of homeless people (ages 13-24) jumped 50%. In 2011, the homeless population in Baltimore totaled 4,088.

The prevalent health care concerns of the homeless includes staph infections and high blood pressure. Living outdoors puts the homeless at greater risk for common infections that can become major or potentially life-threatening acute conditions. Additionally, the homeless have a higher incidence of infectious conditions like tuberculosis, which threatens the health of the general public. 

1.2. Objective/Purpose This public HIIT research project is to evaluate the effectiveness of the innovative mobile telehealth and hygiene intervention for the homeless population to prevent illness, injury and disease.

1.3. Methods A needs assessment has been conducted evaluating the health problems among the homeless in Baltimore City and discussions with local public health care clinics and homeless support organizations.

1.4. Results Results of the needs analysis indicate the need for this public HIIT intervention as a mobile bath and telehealth intervention to detect and treat fungal/staph infections as well as skin problems such as scabies and pediculosis.

1.5. Discussion/Conclusions Researchers will construct mobile baths and deploy them in Baltimore locations where the homeless frequent and use information technology systems to remotely monitor, diagnose, and provide treatment recommendations.