New case studies published by the Queen’s Nursing Institute
The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) has published a collection of case studies demonstrating the role that specialist Homeless and Inclusion Health Nurses play in protecting and improving the health and wellbeing of the most disadvantaged members of society.
The case studies were launched at the charity’s 2022 annual conference.
The 10 Homeless and Inclusion Health Case Studies in the collection were gathered in 2022 through the QNI’s Homeless and Inclusion Health Network.
The project was supported by the Department of Health and Social Care’s Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.
The QNI Homeless and Inclusion Health network is the only network supporting these specialist practitioners and the network members have identified these best practice responses, drawing out the nurse leadership role.
The case studies focus on outcomes and impact and cover both physical and mental health interventions.
Wendy Nicholson MBE, Deputy Chief Nurse, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities said: “Community and public health nurses are vital in supporting the health and wellbeing of those who are homeless.
“We are delighted to have supported the development of this work, which shows the range of nurse-led support that makes a real difference to people’s lives.”
Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, the QNI’s Chief Executive added: “Thanks to generous funding from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, we have been able to use the Homeless and Inclusion Health network to produce this excellent series of evidence-based case studies and practice examples.
“These robust case studies highlight the impact of nurse leadership in addressing health inequalities and demonstrate why early identification of individual and collective vulnerabilities is crucial as a public health intervention, particularly in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The QNI supports a growing network of over 2,000 Homeless and Inclusion Health practitioners, providing resources and continuing professional development, advice and networking opportunities.
Working with these practitioners, the QNI has contributed significantly to homeless and inclusion health policy development in the UK.
During the pandemic, the QNI provided additional help and support for nurses and health visitors supporting people experiencing homelessness, creating three specific specialist groups – health visitors working with families experiencing homelessness; nurses and health visitors supporting Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Boater and Showman communities, and nurses delivering Street Outreach services for individuals who are rough sleeping.