Access Clinic: A student-run clinic model to address gaps in the healthcare needs of the homeless population in Adelaide

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The average life expectancy of people who are homeless is approximately 20 years lower than the general population. Lack of access to healthcare is one of the key contributors to the increased morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to describe a student-run clinic that was established at a homeless shelter in Adelaide, Australia, to improve healthcare access for individuals who are homeless. DISCUSSION: By enhancing the target population's health literacy, the clinic functioned as a bridge between healthcare services and individuals experiencing homelessness who were disengaged from society. Such clinics, if encouraged, can foster a symbiotic relationship where students learn clinical medicine while gaining experience in providing healthcare to vulnerable individuals, and individuals who are homeless can access much-needed services in an environment they already engage with and feel safe in.