Skip to main content
Kent Academic Repository

An innovative nurse practitioner-led service for children from families living in housing instability

Bell, Alicia, Parry, Yvonne K., Ankers, Matthew, Sivertsen, Nina, Willis, Eileen, Kendall, Sally, Yin, Huahua (2025) An innovative nurse practitioner-led service for children from families living in housing instability. Primary Health Care Research & Development, 26 . pp. 1-8. ISSN 1463-4236. (doi:10.1017/S1463423625000118) (KAR id:108911)

Abstract

Aim: To report on the design and results of an innovative nurse practitioner (NP)-led specialist primary care service for children facing housing instability.

Background: During 2017–2018, children aged 0–14 years represented 23% of the total population receiving support from specialist homeless services in Australia. The impact of housing instability on Australian children is considerable, resulting in disengagement from social institutions including health and education, and poorer physical and mental health outcomes across the lifespan. Current services fail to adequately address health and educational needs of children facing housing insecurity. Research identifies similar circumstances for children in other high-income countries. This paper outlines the design, and reports on results of, an innovative NP-led primary care service for children facing housing instability introduced into three not-for-profit faith-based services in one Australian state.

Methods: Between 2019 and 2021, 66 children of parents experiencing housing instability received standardized health assessment and referral where appropriate by a NP. Data from the standardized tool, such as condition and severity, were recorded to determine common conditions. In addition, comprehensive case notes recorded by the NP were used to understand potential causes of conditions, and referral needs, including potential barriers.

Findings: The 66 children assessed were aged between 7 weeks to 16 years. Developmental delay, low immunization rates, and dental caries were the most common conditions identified. Access to appropriate services was inhibited by cost, disengagement, and COVID-19.

Conclusion: Given their advanced skills and knowledge, embedding NPs in specialist homeless services is advantageous to help vulnerable children.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1017/S1463423625000118
Uncontrolled keywords: access; children; children’s health; housing instability; nurse practitioner; primary care
Subjects: H Social Sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Centre for Health Services Studies
Depositing User: Sally Kendall
Date Deposited: 28 Feb 2025 10:23 UTC
Last Modified: 19 Mar 2025 14:08 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/108911 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

  • Depositors only (login required):

Total unique views of this page since July 2020. For more details click on the image.