The use of electronic medical records for homeless outreach

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the features of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) used by North American homeless outreach organizations.

Methods: Twenty-eight homeless outreach agencies throughout North America were contacted. Nine used EMRs for homeless outreach. Service providers from these nine agencies were interviewed to learn more about their EMRs.

Results: While all of the agencies we interviewed were using different EMR systems, the important features of these EMRs were quite similar. Two of the most frequently cited essential features were: 1) the ability of different sites and providers to access medical information; and 2) the capacity to collect aggregated client data (such as numbers of clients served, services provided, and outcomes) for planning, evaluation, and advocacy purposes.

Conclusion: An electronic medical record (EMR) available at multiple locations to multiple providers is a powerful tool with the potential to improve the coordination, safety, efficiency, and quality of care to people who are homeless.