Evaluation of Access to Cell Phone for Healthcare Among the Homeless
College
School of Nursing
Graduate Level
Doctoral
Graduate Program/Concentration
Nursing Practice
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Purpose: Despite the growth of telehealth, vulnerable populations and the homeless are still disproportionately affected by a lack of access to equitable healthcare. There is limited research regarding the accessibility of cell phones for the homeless. This study's purpose is to evaluate access to cell phones and connectivity (cellular data plans and/or Wi-Fi) among the homeless to assess their ability to participate in telehealth or other medical services.
Methods: A convenience sample of 100 homeless participants accessing a social services organization (SSO) were surveyed to assess their access to cell phones, cellular data plans, and Wi-Fi. Surveys were conducted verbally by the researcher to alleviate literacy concerns. The data will be combined with that from a pilot study conducted at a different SSO to increase the study population and enhance generalizability.
Results: While this study is ongoing, preliminary results from the pilot study indicate 69% of respondents had a phone, though the majority went without a phone for at least one month during the prior year. Most had smartphones, with 30% indicating they were Medicaid eligible. The most common indications for inability to use their phone were the cost of the device or mobile plan, lack of data, and inability to charge their phone. Additionally, 43% indicated never using their phone for healthcare services.
Implications: Cell phones and connectivity are essential in today’s healthcare environment. Evaluating the access of the homeless may influence policymakers to invest in providing phones and connectivity to promote access to virtual care and enhance healthcare outcomes. Identifying barriers to cell phone use will further enhance operability and access to care. It has been proposed at the federal level that data used for healthcare should not be “counted” in limited data plans. This research may support that proposal.
Short Description
Homeless individuals are disproportionately affected by a lack of access to equitable healthcare. Cell phones may be an avenue to increase access to care. They may be used for telehealth, medication monitoring, appointment reminders, and more. Little is known about access to cell phones, data plans, and/or Wi-Fi among the homeless. This poster will highlight access to cell phones and connectivity as well as barriers to use. Evaluating access to devices and factors impacting utilization is the first step in extending healthcare to the homeless virtually.
Keywords
Access to cell phones, Healthcare, Homeless
Evaluation of Access to Cell Phone for Healthcare Among the Homeless
Purpose: Despite the growth of telehealth, vulnerable populations and the homeless are still disproportionately affected by a lack of access to equitable healthcare. There is limited research regarding the accessibility of cell phones for the homeless. This study's purpose is to evaluate access to cell phones and connectivity (cellular data plans and/or Wi-Fi) among the homeless to assess their ability to participate in telehealth or other medical services.
Methods: A convenience sample of 100 homeless participants accessing a social services organization (SSO) were surveyed to assess their access to cell phones, cellular data plans, and Wi-Fi. Surveys were conducted verbally by the researcher to alleviate literacy concerns. The data will be combined with that from a pilot study conducted at a different SSO to increase the study population and enhance generalizability.
Results: While this study is ongoing, preliminary results from the pilot study indicate 69% of respondents had a phone, though the majority went without a phone for at least one month during the prior year. Most had smartphones, with 30% indicating they were Medicaid eligible. The most common indications for inability to use their phone were the cost of the device or mobile plan, lack of data, and inability to charge their phone. Additionally, 43% indicated never using their phone for healthcare services.
Implications: Cell phones and connectivity are essential in today’s healthcare environment. Evaluating the access of the homeless may influence policymakers to invest in providing phones and connectivity to promote access to virtual care and enhance healthcare outcomes. Identifying barriers to cell phone use will further enhance operability and access to care. It has been proposed at the federal level that data used for healthcare should not be “counted” in limited data plans. This research may support that proposal.
Short Description
Homeless individuals are disproportionately affected by a lack of access to equitable healthcare. Cell phones may be an avenue to increase access to care. They may be used for telehealth, medication monitoring, appointment reminders, and more. Little is known about access to cell phones, data plans, and/or Wi-Fi among the homeless. This poster will highlight access to cell phones and connectivity as well as barriers to use. Evaluating access to devices and factors impacting utilization is the first step in extending healthcare to the homeless virtually.