Hospital Readmissions Among the Homeless Population in Albuquerque, New Mexico

It is estimated that there are 1.7 million homeless individuals in the United States; 36% are families with children under the age of 18. Due to lack of resources, homeless individuals frequent emergency departments for immediate health care needs. Homeless individuals are hospitalized more often, and once hospitalized have longer lengths of stay and incur higher hospital costs compared to non-homeless individuals.

Objective

To analyze a homeless population, demographically and by health condition, over a 3-year time period who were admitted to an Albuquerque area hospital.