NURS FPX 4015 Assignment 4 Caring for Special Populations Teaching Presentation

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX4015 Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment: A Holistic Approach to Patient-Centered Care

Prof. Name

Date

Caring for Special Populations Teaching Presentation

Introduction to the Special Population Group

Homelessness continues to be a significant global public health concern, impacting the lives of millions and leading to considerable health consequences. Between 2018 and 2022, around 327,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in the United States lived in shelters, accounting for approximately 0.1% of the nation’s population (Glassman, 2024). However, homelessness extends beyond shelter residency—it encompasses a spectrum of housing insecurity, from temporary displacement to chronic unsheltered living. Contributing factors include poverty, lack of affordable housing, unemployment, untreated mental health issues, and substance use disorders.

Individuals experiencing homelessness frequently move between shelters, temporary accommodations, and overcrowded living conditions with acquaintances. These unstable environments expose them to physical hazards, such as extreme weather and unsanitary conditions, which increase susceptibility to disease and injury (Fornaro et al., 2022). The absence of secure housing also disrupts access to healthcare, hygiene, and nutrition, resulting in poorer health outcomes. Chronic conditions, mental illness, and substance use are often left untreated, escalating personal and public health risks. Nurses and healthcare professionals must adopt trauma-informed and culturally responsive care strategies to meet the specific needs of this population and address disparities effectively (Fornaro et al., 2022).

Cultural Values and Beliefs Relevant to Healthcare

While homeless individuals come from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, shared experiences related to housing instability influence common values and beliefs about health and care-seeking behavior. A core value seen among this group is self-reliance. Many have adapted to survive with minimal support, which can translate into hesitancy or resistance to accessing medical services. This behavior is often reinforced by prior negative experiences with healthcare systems, where individuals felt dismissed or discriminated against due to their housing status or inability to pay (Gilmer & Buccieri, 2020).

Another prevalent belief is institutional distrust. Past interactions with hospitals, clinics, law enforcement, and social services may have involved bias or neglect, leading to deep skepticism. Fear of judgment and stigma around visible signs of homelessness or mental health challenges often deters individuals from seeking help. Additionally, survival priorities—such as securing shelter, food, and safety—often supersede long-term health planning or chronic disease management.

Mental health stigma further complicates this scenario. Conditions like depression or PTSD may be unacknowledged or untreated, especially in the absence of supportive environments. Healthcare professionals must recognize and respect these cultural underpinnings to foster trust and provide compassionate, equitable care. Approaching care with empathy, clear communication, and nonjudgmental attitudes can bridge gaps between providers and this marginalized population.

Healthcare Disparities Faced by Homeless Individuals

Individuals experiencing homelessness are disproportionately affected by multiple health disparities driven by a combination of social, environmental, and systemic factors. These disparities manifest through economic hardship, limited access to services, and deteriorating physical and mental health.

Key Healthcare Disparities and Determinants

Category	Challenges Faced
Economic Instability	Lack of employment and insurance inhibits access to medication, food, and care (Flaubert et al., 2021).
Access to Care	Lack of identification, transportation, or insurance prevents engagement with services (Gilmer & Buccieri, 2020).
Mental Health & Addiction	Depression, PTSD, and schizophrenia often go untreated; this contributes to substance use (D’Souza & Mirza, 2021).
Environmental Risks	Exposure to cold, violence, and unhygienic settings increases vulnerability to illness and injury.

Social isolation further compounds these challenges, as many homeless individuals lack support systems to navigate care or follow through with treatment. Stigma from healthcare providers also discourages them from accessing services, leading to neglect of preventive care and worsening health conditions. Addressing these disparities requires innovative approaches such as mobile clinics, harm-reduction strategies, and integrated care models tailored to the unique context of homelessness.

Strategies for Culturally Competent Nursing Care

Delivering culturally competent care to homeless individuals requires intentional, trauma-informed, and flexible healthcare practices. Nurses must first focus on relationship-building by expressing genuine respect, practicing active listening, and offering empathetic support. These efforts help mitigate feelings of mistrust and alienation commonly experienced by homeless patients (D’Souza & Mirza, 2021).

Healthcare access must also be reimagined to accommodate the unique needs of this population. Strategies include offering walk-in services, establishing mobile health units, and integrating care delivery with shelters and community outreach organizations. Such accessibility ensures that individuals are not burdened by logistical barriers such as transportation or rigid appointment schedules.

Trauma-informed care is particularly vital. Recognizing that many homeless individuals have survived physical or emotional abuse necessitates careful and considerate interactions. Simple measures like explaining medical procedures, respecting boundaries, and involving patients in care decisions can significantly reduce anxiety and improve cooperation (Dobischok et al., 2024).

Education should also be adapted to match literacy and cognitive capacity. Visual aids, simplified instructions, and practical advice on managing chronic conditions with limited resources can enhance treatment adherence. Collaborative, interdisciplinary care involving mental health specialists, social workers, and housing advocates ensures a holistic approach that addresses both medical and social needs.

Case Study: Culturally Competent Nursing in Action

Real-world examples from across the U.S. illustrate how culturally competent care significantly improves health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.

Selected Case Studies

Location	Program	Key Features
Southern Oregon	Street Nursing Initiative	Trauma-informed, in-community care focused on psychiatric and chronic illness support (OHSU School of Nursing, n.d.).
Portland, Oregon	Mobile Substance-Use Treatment Clinic	Brings methadone/buprenorphine treatment directly to individuals; eliminates transportation barriers (Post, n.d.).

These initiatives demonstrate the success of trust-based, accessible models of care. Nurses involved in street medicine and mobile clinics are often specially trained to address the “tri-morbidity” common in homeless populations: co-occurring mental illness, substance use, and chronic physical conditions. By meeting patients where they are—both literally and emotionally—these programs embody culturally competent, equity-focused care.

Resources for Further Learning

Healthcare professionals can enhance their knowledge and competence in homeless care through structured training, self-study, and community involvement. Several organizations and programs offer accessible educational resources:

Resource Guide for Nurses

Organization	Resources Provided
NHCHC (National Health Care for the Homeless Council)	Webinars, clinical guidelines, and toolkits on respite care and cultural humility (NHCHC, 2021).
CDC (Centers for Disease Control)	Public health protocols for infectious disease management in homeless settings.
ANA & Sigma Theta Tau	Continuing education on trauma-informed care and social determinants of health.
Nurse Journal	Free/affordable online courses on equity and culturally responsive care (Nurse Journal, 2025).
Local Shelters and Street Clinics	Volunteering opportunities and direct care experience in community-based programs.

Engaging in these resources empowers nurses to better advocate for equitable healthcare policies and apply evidence-based practices in their everyday work.

Conclusion

Providing care for individuals experiencing homelessness requires an interdisciplinary, culturally competent approach. By understanding this population’s distinct values, addressing the structural and social barriers they face, and adopting trauma-informed care strategies, nurses can make a profound impact on health outcomes. Case studies reveal the importance of street-based healthcare, mobile services, and trust-building practices in closing the health equity gap. Continued learning and collaboration through professional organizations and community outreach are essential to ensure that care is not only accessible but also respectful and transformative.

References

Bedmar, M. A., Veny, M. B., Lelong, B. A., Mut, F. S., Pou, J., Moyano, L. C., Toro, M. G., & Yáñez, A. M. (2022). Health and access to healthcare in homeless people: Protocol for a mixed-methods study. Medicine, 101(7). https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000028816

Dobischok, S., Archambault, L., & Goyer, M.-È. (2024). Trauma-informed care (TIC) interventions for populations experiencing addiction and/or homelessness: A scoping review of outcomes. Journal of Drug Issues. https://doi.org/10.1177/00220426241263264

NURS FPX 4015 Assignment 4 Caring for Special Populations Teaching Presentation

D’Souza, M. S., & Mirza, N. A. (2021). Towards equitable health care access: Community participatory research exploring unmet health care needs of homeless individuals. Canadian Journal of Nursing Research, 54(4), 084456212110321. https://doi.org/10.1177/08445621211032136

Flaubert, J. L., Menestrel, S. L., Williams, D. R., & Wakefield, M. K. (2021). Social determinants of health and health equity. National Academies Press (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573923/

Fornaro, M., Dragioti, E., De Prisco, M., Billeci, M., Mondin, A. M., Calati, R., Smith, L., Hatcher, S., Kaluzienski, M., Fiedorowicz, J. G., Solmi, M., de Bartolomeis, A., & Carvalho, A. F. (2022). Homelessness and health-related outcomes: An umbrella review of observational studies and randomized controlled trials. BMC Medicine, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-022-02423-z

Gilmer, C., & Buccieri, K. (2020). Homeless patients associate clinician bias with suboptimal care for mental illness, addictions, and chronic pain. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 11(11), 215013272091028. https://doi.org/10.1177/2150132720910289

NURS FPX 4015 Assignment 4 Caring for Special Populations Teaching Presentation

Glassman, B. (2024, February 27). New survey data provides demographic profile of population experiencing homelessness who lived in emergency and transitional shelters. Census.gov. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2024/02/living-in-shelters.html

NHCHC. (2021, March 3). Medical respite care tool kit. National Health Care for the Homeless Council. https://nhchc.org/resource/medical-respite-recuperative-care-tool-kit/

Nurse Journal. (2025, February 24). Free online nursing courses & classes you can take right now. NurseJournal.org. https://nursejournal.org/articles/online-nursing-courses-you-can-take-for-free/

OHSU School of Nursing. (n.d.). Street nursing team. https://www.ohsu.edu/school-of-nursing/street-nursing-team

Post, P. (n.d.). Mobile health care for homeless people: Using vehicles to extend care. National Health Care for the Homeless Council. https://nhchc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mobilehealth-1.pdf