Indicators of good health practices for the homeless population: a scoping review

Abstract

Objective: To identify the indicators used to support good health practices for the homeless population. Methods: This is a scoping review whose selection of articles took place in December 2019 and was updated in August 2020. The terms used for the search were: homeless persons, homeless, runway, foster care, street people, health status indicators, primary nursing care and primary health care. Studies published in English, Spanish and Portuguese were included, without limitation of publication time. Results: A total of 29 articles were selected. From the reading in full, four empirical categories of indicators emerged: User relationship with service; Assessment of health conditions and disease; Assessment of social inclusion; and Assessment of changes in behavioral and psychological characteristics. The studies found used indicators mostly to perceive compliance with the purpose of the intervention project targeting the homeless population. Conclusion: The way to verify these indicators was varied, as well as the intervention projects, there is no consensus about what type of indicators would be fertile for assessment of the actions carried out.