The use of eHealth interventions among persons experiencing homelessness: A systematic review

Objective eHealth interventions are being developed to meet the needs of diverse populations. Despite these advancements, little is known about how these interventions are used to improve the health of persons experiencing homelessness. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the feasibilit...

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Main Authors: Alexia Polillo, Sophia Gran-Ruaz, John Sylvestre, Nick Kerman
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2021-02-01
Series:Digital Health
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/2055207620987066
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author Alexia Polillo
Sophia Gran-Ruaz
John Sylvestre
Nick Kerman
author_facet Alexia Polillo
Sophia Gran-Ruaz
John Sylvestre
Nick Kerman
author_sort Alexia Polillo
collection DOAJ
description Objective eHealth interventions are being developed to meet the needs of diverse populations. Despite these advancements, little is known about how these interventions are used to improve the health of persons experiencing homelessness. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the feasibility, effectiveness, and experience of eHealth interventions for the homeless population. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted along with forward and backward citation searching to identify relevant articles. Results Eight articles met eligibility criteria. All articles were pilot or feasibility studies that used modalities, including short message service, mobile apps, computers, email, and websites, to deliver the interventions. The accessibility, flexibility, and convenience of the interventions were valued by participants. However, phone retention, limited adaptability, a high level of human involvement, and preference for in-person communication may pose future implementation challenges. Conclusions eHealth interventions are promising digital tools that have the potential to improve access to care and service delivery. eHealth interventions are feasible and usable for persons experiencing homelessness. These interventions may have health benefits by augmenting existing services and if implementation challenges are addressed. Further evaluation of the effectiveness of eHealth interventions is needed before widespread implementation. Those with lived experience should also be engaged in developing and evaluating these interventions.
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spelling doaj.art-c4d4906b120f408786623eed2b1eb3a42022-12-21T22:23:38ZengSAGE PublishingDigital Health2055-20762021-02-01710.1177/2055207620987066The use of eHealth interventions among persons experiencing homelessness: A systematic reviewAlexia PolilloSophia Gran-RuazJohn SylvestreNick KermanObjective eHealth interventions are being developed to meet the needs of diverse populations. Despite these advancements, little is known about how these interventions are used to improve the health of persons experiencing homelessness. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the feasibility, effectiveness, and experience of eHealth interventions for the homeless population. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted along with forward and backward citation searching to identify relevant articles. Results Eight articles met eligibility criteria. All articles were pilot or feasibility studies that used modalities, including short message service, mobile apps, computers, email, and websites, to deliver the interventions. The accessibility, flexibility, and convenience of the interventions were valued by participants. However, phone retention, limited adaptability, a high level of human involvement, and preference for in-person communication may pose future implementation challenges. Conclusions eHealth interventions are promising digital tools that have the potential to improve access to care and service delivery. eHealth interventions are feasible and usable for persons experiencing homelessness. These interventions may have health benefits by augmenting existing services and if implementation challenges are addressed. Further evaluation of the effectiveness of eHealth interventions is needed before widespread implementation. Those with lived experience should also be engaged in developing and evaluating these interventions.https://doi.org/10.1177/2055207620987066
spellingShingle Alexia Polillo
Sophia Gran-Ruaz
John Sylvestre
Nick Kerman
The use of eHealth interventions among persons experiencing homelessness: A systematic review
Digital Health
title The use of eHealth interventions among persons experiencing homelessness: A systematic review
title_full The use of eHealth interventions among persons experiencing homelessness: A systematic review
title_fullStr The use of eHealth interventions among persons experiencing homelessness: A systematic review
title_full_unstemmed The use of eHealth interventions among persons experiencing homelessness: A systematic review
title_short The use of eHealth interventions among persons experiencing homelessness: A systematic review
title_sort use of ehealth interventions among persons experiencing homelessness a systematic review
url https://doi.org/10.1177/2055207620987066
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