| Safe People | |
|---|---|
| Lead applicant organisation name | University of Birmingham |
| Safe Projects | |
|---|---|
| Project title | Pharmacy Homeless Outreach Engagement Non-medical Independent prescribing Rx (PHOENIx) community pharmacy-based pilot randomised controlled trial |
| Lay summary | "People experiencing homelessness are among the most vulnerable in the UK, often facing health issues equivalent to those of an 85-year-old. Most die before 43, with many deaths preventable through proper care. However, chaotic lifestyles and appointment-based services make healthcare access difficult, leading to untreated conditions, frequent hospital visits, and a cycle of homelessness. There is little evidence on improving healthcare for the homeless. This study tests a new approach integrating pharmacists and charity workers in city centre community pharmacies, which homeless individuals already visit for prescriptions and drug treatment. While these pharmacies offer services without appointments, pharmacists' role in homeless care remains underexplored. A partnership between pharmacist prescribers and charity workers, who have trusted relationships with the homeless, has been piloted successfully in Glasgow. It improved access to treatment for physical, mental health, and addiction issues. Researchers will test this model through a miniature-controlled trial to evaluate effectiveness and cost-efficiency. If successful, it could inform a larger trial and influence policy changes to improve homeless healthcare across the UK. Findings will be shared with the public, medical professionals, and charity networks." |
| Public benefit statement | "Anticipated impact and dissemination If the pilot shows sufficient (50-70% completeness for most outcomes) signal that progression to a definitive trial is merited, and if the definitive trial delivers favourable outcomes, PHOENIx will be a walk-in, free to access service in community pharmacy for PEH in addition to usual care, within locally agreed pathways. The service will minimise people’s access to barriers of services and promote integration across care systems." |
| Latest approval date | 18/06/2024 |
| Safe Data | |
|---|---|
| Dataset(s) name | PATHWAY Research Data Hub: PWY019 dataset |
| Safe Setting | |
|---|---|
| Access type | Data Licence Agreement between the collaborating organisations using secure and controlled data analysis environments. |
| Safe Outputs | |
|---|---|
| Link | Not yet Published |