In 2009, funding was sought from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs under the National Homelessness Research Projects 2009-2010 funding round. This funding has been used to conduct research that investigates the primary health care and welfare needs of people experiencing homelessness and unstable housing with Melbourne’s CBD and inner suburbs.
It is well known that homelessness and unstable housing is a large issue in the City of Melbourne and City of Yarra Local Government Areas (LGAs), which, along with parts of City of Moreland and City of Moonee Valley, make up Melbourne General Practice Network’s (MGPN) borders. Statistics indicate that rates of homelessness in City of Melbourne and City of Yarra alone are 2-3 times higher than the national and state averages. Equally, it has been shown that those who are homeless often suffer from a range of physical and mental health problems along with other complex issues (i.e. experiences of abuse [i.e. physical, sexual and emotional], institution stays and lack of follow-up support [i.e. prison, psychiatric facilities and D&A detoxification], social and physical isolation, employment problems, etc.). Despite the increased needs for health care, health inequality is a common experience for the homeless and those in unstable housing. Therefore, this research focused on the GPs, Pharmacists, homeless services and those experiencing homelessness and unstable housing to explore their beliefs, experiences and practices to draw a current picture of access to, and provision of, health and welfare care in the 4 LGAs. In addition, it will investigate the recommendations of the surveyed groups to increase and improve access to health care for these ‘at risk’ groups.
Research goals
Methodology
The research will be a 3-phase study taking place over the next 12 months. In the first phase local GP and Pharmacist participants will be gathered via a survey to explore their demographics, beliefs, experiences, practices and desired education/support concerning the primary health care of these ‘at risk’ groups. The second phase will entail research with local health and welfare services. This will take place via a survey and 1-2 focus groups to ensure a combination of quantitative and qualitative information. Information will be sought concerning the demographics of their clients, their beliefs, experiences and practices concerning the primary health care needs of their clients and how to forge better links and access to GPs and Pharmacists for themselves and their clients. Finally, individuals experiencing homelessness and unstable housing will be sought to participate in a supported survey and/or interviews. This 3rd phase of the research will investigate demographic information along with their beliefs, experiences and practices in accessing primary health care. It will also explore how GPs, Pharmacists and health and welfare services can better assist homeless or unstably housed individuals in accessing primary health care and other required services as needed.
Where is the research at now?
The research has been conducted and a report concerning the findings is currently being reviewed by experts and the Government. It will be released by FaHCSIA and MGPN once this process has been completed and be available on this website to view.
If you would like any more information about the research please contact Natalie Rinehart, Research Officer at MGPN on natalie.rinehart@mgpn.com.au or on (03) 9347 1188 or 0430 496 087.
