Women and children facing domestic and family violence (DFV) often have complex health needs and barriers to accessing care, which can increase their risk of homelessness. A rapid review identified outreach primary health care programs for these individuals in middle- and high-income countries. Researchers searched seven databases and found 12 publications on 11 distinct programs that employed a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach. Four staffing models were noted: nurse-led MDT, nurse-led MDT with remote physician support, on-site physician MDT, and student-led MDTs. The model with an on-site physician provided the most services, while the student-led model offered the fewest. While three publications described quasi-experimental studies, most lacked control groups. Despite this, all studies reported positive outcomes for clients, including improved service acceptability, healthcare use, and health and economic outcomes. However, only two studies assessed impacts on health outcomes specifically. Overall, the review highlights the potential benefits of primary care MDT outreach programs for women and children affected by DFV and homelessness, though further evaluation of these programs is needed.
Multidisciplinary primary care outreach for women experiencing domestic and family violence and/or homelessness: a rapid evidence review
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