To map the systems with which adults with IDD who experience homelessness must interface to access needed services and describe the systems- and policy-level issues impacting service delivery and care coordination for this population.
Approach:
Study Design: Qualitative study involving interviews with professionals providing services to adults experiencing homelessness.
Data Collection: Interviews conducted between March and June 2021 with 18 participants.
Data Analysis: Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data.
Key Findings:
Participants identified five unique systems that individuals with IDD and homelessness frequently interact with to access care and services.
The theme 'structurally fragmented care for complex needs' reflects perceptions of systems-level issues.
The theme 'policy-driven gaps in care' encompasses perceptions of policy-level issues.
Interpretation:
Homeless adults with IDD cycle through public systems, highlighting the need for a cohesive care ecosystem to address structural ableism.
Limitations:
The study's findings are based on a small sample size of 18 participants.
The perspectives gathered may not represent the experiences of all homeless adults with IDD.
Conclusion:
Future research is needed to develop and test models of care that eliminate system churn for individuals with IDD.
