Crossing the abyss: Engaging people experiencing homelessness in health care through innovative service delivery models

People experiencing homelessness have many good reasons for not engaging in traditional, clinic-based health care services. Research shows that innovative service delivery models can increase engagement in care and reduce costs. In this Think Tank, we will present two different strategies to radically reduce barriers to care: a shelter-based clinic and a mobile medical clinic. We will engage participants in a discussion of the limitations and opportunities of each model, and how to best select the strategy that works within a specific population. We will review the use of different types of clinicians/providers, scope of practice, sustainability and ability to connect patients to more comprehensive primary care services.