Street Medicine Research Articles

P-1462. Utilization of a Point-of-Care Hepatitis C Test to Treat in People Experiencing Homelessness with Street Medicine Outreach

Abstract Background Persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) have disproportionately higher rates of untreated chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) than the public. Improved community funding and resources are needed to expand HCV rapid point-of-care (POC), confirmatory testing, treatment and follow-up. Given that PEH face competing priorities (unstable housing, food access, addiction, other infections), it is our role as clinicians to reduce barriers to HCV treatment, understand hesitancies for deferring treatment, and design programs to improve accessibility. This is the pilot project of a Street Medicine (SM) based initiative to use POC testing for HCV amongst PEH with linkage of care to a federally qualified health clinic (FQHC). Hepatitis C Screening and Treatment Protocol HCV- Hepatitis C Virus POC- Point of Care CHASS- Community Health and Social Services HbsAg- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen CBC- Complete Blood Count CMP- Complete Metabolic Panel Methods SM provides medical care to PEH outside of a hospital setting. Medical students and residents were recruited to form a HCV outreach team at Henry Ford Hospital and trained in HCV testing via OraQuick rapid antibody (Ab) test. During SM outreach, PEH were provided education on HCV and offered POC testing with a $10.00 grocery gift card. If a patient was identified as HCV Ab positive they were provided free transportation to a FQHC for confirmatory testing. If diagnosis was confirmed, they were evaluated for eligibility for simplified HCV treatment, check-ins to assess adherence and sustained virologic response (Figure 1). Results From February-April 2024, 103 PEH were tested using POC HCV testing on SM runs, with 4 positive results. 3 of 4 patients were confirmed for CHASS clinic appointments. 1 patient presented to clinic follow-up but deferred confirmatory testing bloodwork, demonstrating challenges in arranging for HCV clinic follow-up care. Conclusion Previous studies have shown that lack of insurance, prior authorization and referral process, active injection drug use or alcohol use, lack of knowledge of HCV treatment, and limited healthcare workforce and infrastructure have all contributed to the low treatment rate in the homeless. Using trusted community organizations with SM, this initiative aims to reduce testing and transportation barriers in order to eliminate HCV in PEH. Larger numbers of positive patients are needed to best assess the feasibility of the program, and if providing all testing and treatment at the point of care is needed to improve compliance. Disclosures Marcus Zervos, MD, Johnson and johnson: Grant/Research Support|Moderna: Grant/Research Support Seema Joshi, MD, AbbVie: Grant/Research Support

P-1461. Influenza Vaccine Amongst Persons Experiencing Homelessness: Evaluating Attitudes, Barriers, and Trust

Abstract Background In Detroit, persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) have been a vulnerable part of society due to their comorbidities and unique barriers in access to care. Despite PEH experiencing higher rates of vaccine-preventable diseases, there is a lack of information on strategies to improve vaccine rates. The objective of this project is to obtain an understanding of enablers and barriers in influenza vaccine uptake amongst PEH, to inform future work to increase vaccine uptake. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of survey data from adult PEH encountered during Street Medicine (SM) outreach in Detroit to assess enablers and barriers in influenza vaccination. Respondents were provided a complimentary bus pass for participation. Descriptive statistics were conducted on sociodemographic variables with analysis of variables related to level of homelessness, vaccine concerns, vaccination status, and underlying health problems. Results 43 participants' surveys were analyzed. Participant vaccine status and level of homelessness varied with majority (35%) reporting spending at least 1 night in a tent or other dwelling. Regarding participant demographics, 86% (n=37) were male and 81% (n=35) were Black or African American (AA) (Table 1). Amongst survey respondents, the highest sources of trust for information regarding influenza vaccine was found amongst: ‘Social Services Agencies or Other Services’ 95.2% (n=20) and ‘Experts and Scientists’ 93.8% (n=15) (Figures 1 and 2). Variables regarding sources of information trusted were analyzed via chi-square analysis to evaluate for statistical significance (p-value < 0.05) amongst demographic variables (Figure 3). Conclusion Previous literature regarding attitudes towards vaccines amongst PEH has demonstrated distrust in healthcare. Results of this study are unique in identifying healthcare members as resources trusted by most participants in providing information on vaccines. This emphasizes the importance of SM outreach in Detroit in building trusting relationships with PEH in addition to decreasing barriers in access to care, to help target future vaccination initiatives.Table 1:Participant Demographics and Influenza Vaccination Status Disclosures Seema Joshi, MD, AbbVie: Grant/Research Support Marcus Zervos, MD, Johnson and johnson: Grant/Research Support|Moderna: Grant/Research Support

Street Pharmacology: Toxico-Dermatology of Injection Drug Use.

Street medicine is a point-of-care, mobile approach that services the needs of unhoused individuals who are otherwise unable to access medical care in traditional settings. The prevalence of injection drug use combines with the pipeline of illicit substances, to produce a constellation of severe, potentially life-threatening dermatological disorders unique to this population. This review applies principles of clinical pharmacology to clarify the mechanisms underlying the dermatological toxicity of xylazine, desomorphine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).

OLDER ADULTS EXPERIENCING UNSHELTERED HOMELESSNESS IN LARGE URBAN CITY LACK BASIC RESOURCES

Abstract Older adults constitute the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population in the US. Previous research has found older homeless adults to have more chronic conditions, premature mortality, greater odds of physical disability, and experience accelerated aging compared to housed populations. To inform programs to better serve this population, improved understanding of how they meet their basic needs is warranted. The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of unsheltered homeless older adults with meeting their basic needs for food, drinking water, toilet, hygiene, and healthcare in Los Angeles County. From 2021-2023 (24-months), we conducted a cross-sectional survey using the HOUSED BEDS assessment with people experiencing unsheltered homelessness and initiating care with Street Medicine (N=637). Quantitative data were analyzed to compare adults (18-49 yrs) and older adults (50+ years). Findings show that 40.3% of those sampled were older adults. Most older adults experiencing unsheltered homelessness identified as male (70%), Hispanic/Latino (46.6%), or Black/African American (25.6%). The majority of older adults had health insurance (79%) yet few (22%) had a primary care provider. Older adults lacked 24-hr bathroom access (22.3%), were forced to practice open defecation (82%), and relied on purchased food (50%) and drinking water (40.6%). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs explains that time and energy spent meeting basic needs of survival (including food, hydration, and sanitation) means time and energy not spent elsewhere, such as seeking healthcare. Results of this study suggest a need for scaling Street Medicine which provides basic needs and comprehensive, accessible primary care.

A Qualitative Study to Describe the Nature and Scope of Street Medicine Programs in the United States.

Street medicine is a health delivery model designed to provide direct patient care to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness where they are physically located, whether that be on the streets or in encampments. The model has developed in response to the barriers people experiencing homelessness (PEH) encounter when accessing care through traditional points of access such as primary care clinics. Street medicine programs are rapidly emerging across the United States (U.S.) in response to the health needs and challenges associated with care access and coordination for unsheltered homeless individuals. Although street medicine is a rapidly growing field, existing street medicine programs have rarely been studied collectively, limiting our understanding of the nature, scope, and range of street medicine programs in the U.S. This study examined 13 programs from across the U.S. to develop a broad characterization of street medicine programs. Results from interviews with representatives from each of the 13 programs show that there is a high degree of variability among the structure, operations, and scope of care of street medicine programs. However, consistent among street medicine programs is the adoption of a patient-centered approach to care and the use of harm-reduction principles. Street medicine programs are also highly engaged with community partners and affiliate organizations that work in their local and regional areas. Because street medicine programs often serve as a bridge between formal healthcare entities and PEH, street medicine offers a strategy for reconnecting individuals to vital healthcare services.

Use of long-acting injectable cabotegravir/rilpivirine in people with HIV and adherence challenges.

Recent changes in US Department of Health and Human Services and International AIDS Society USA guidelines now endorse use of long-acting injectable cabotegravir and rilpivirine (LA-CAB/RPV) in people with HIV (PWH) who have adherence challenges, including those with viremia. We sought to summarize clinical trial and real-world study data on outcomes and implementation strategies, highlight key unanswered questions, and provide recommendations for best practices. Studies of LA-CAB/RPV in PWH with adherence challenges demonstrate excellent virologic outcomes, although the rate of virologic failure is higher than that in registrational trials conducted in PWH with stable viral suppression. However, viral suppression is attainable on alternate antiretroviral regimen, including those that employ lenacapavir, another long-acting injectable antiretroviral drug, even after virologic failure on LA-CAB/RPV. Successful implementation strategies for long-acting programs include centralized multidisciplinary clinic teams (ideally with pharmacist/pharmacy technician involvement), small incentives to promote patient retention on injections, allowing for drop-in injections, outreach after late injections, and partnerships with home nursing, street medicine, and harm reduction sites. Creating programs that can support PWH with adherence challenges, their providers, and their clinics to use LA-CAB/RPV in service of sustained viral suppression is an urgent priority, particularly for PWH with CD4+ cell count <200 cells/mm3.

Trafficking in the child and adolescent: Application of SAFETY and CARE for a global crisis of exploitation

Human trafficking in the child and adolescent is a global public health crisis that can be divided into sex trafficking, labor trafficking and organ trafficking. This discussion considers basic terminology in this area, sociodemographic information on these victims, negative effects or repercussions from such egregious actions forced on the victims, issues of screening for healthcare providers based on specific risk factors/indicators, and information regarding screening tools as well as management principles for healthcare professionals. These trafficked persons are seen in varied practice settings such as primary care offices, emergency departments, street medicine operations, and others. Clinicians can approach these victims with targeted training that encourages these pediatric persons to feel safe in healthcare settings, empowering them to help with healing (i.e., trauma-informed care). It is important that those involved in the care of trafficked victims understand the rights of these persons who are essentially hostages that need rescuing, and thus, employ a rights-based approach in dealing with these vulnerable children and youth. Culturally-sensitive concepts of prevention are considered as well to reduce this illegal, inhumane exploitation of our children and adolescents ubiquitously existing throughout the United States and the world. Indeed, there is much that clinicians and society can do to help these unfortunate minors who often feel hopeless and trapped in chaotic circumstances.

Improving access to syphilis screening among unhoused people in Yolo County

Background: This study aimed to increase syphilis screening rates amongst unhoused residents of Yolo County, California, through the implementation of plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles. Yolo County has a strategic goal to eliminate congenital syphilis cases. Homelessness is a known risk factor for syphilis. Methods: The primary researcher was embedded in a street medicine team. Using quality improvement tools like stakeholder interviews, workflow diagrams, and best practices from literature, we outlined the team's workflow for syphilis screening and developed ideas to improve uptake and expand capacity. The most effective cycle implemented gift card incentives for syphilis screening. During the patient intake we offered the option to receive a syphilis test, informing the patient of the gift card incentive. Results: Prior to gift card incentives, the team screened 1.6 patients on average per clinic for a total of 30 patients screened in April to June of 2022. After the gift card incentive was implemented, the team screened 3.0 patients on average per clinic, screening a total of 223 patients from July 2022 to May 2023. The intervention produced an 87.5% increase in screening rates (P=0.0094). The data showed a significant increase in syphilis testing upon implementing the gift card incentive program. Conclusion: These findings contribute to evidence supporting the use of patient incentives for public health prevention measures. This model could be applied to other populations to increase health screening participation. More research is needed on the effect of gift card incentives on confirmatory testing and treatment rates for syphilis.

Burn Care in the Street: A Survey of the Current Landscape of Burn Care Provided by Street Medicine Teams.

People experiencing homelessness are at increased risk for serious burn injuries and face additional barriers to care such as inability to perform wound care and difficulty with follow-up. Although not burn-specific, street medicine programs provide direct medical care to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in their own environment and may be well positioned to bridge this gap in burn care for this population. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to characterize the burn care experience of street medicine teams with providing burn care for people experiencing homelessness. The 60 respondents included 18 (30%) physicians, 15 (25%) nurse practitioners or physician assistants, 15 (25%) registered nurses, and 6 (10%) medical students, and 6 (10%) other team members. The most common reported barriers to care were prior negative experiences with emergency departments, and transportation to burn centers. There was regional variability in frequency of providing burn care, which was reflected in respondent comfort with assessing and treating burns. Burns were most often dressed with daily dressings such as a non-adherent dressing over silver sulfadiazine or bacitracin. Silver-based contact dressings were rarely used. Street medicine teams in the United States are treating burn injuries among people experiencing homelessness, though management practices and experience treating burns was variable. As street medicine programs continue to grow, burn-related education, training, and connections to local burn centers for team members is important. Through strengthened partnerships between burn centers and street medicine teams, these programs may be well positioned to bridge the gap in burn care for people experiencing homelessness.

Street Medicine as Service Learning: Lessons from a Needs Assessment Conducted by Medical Students

Background The homeless population is growing across the United States, particularly in urban areas. Oftentimes, there is a disconnect between existing community services and actual needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. These services gaps are frequently identified by needs assessments and utilized by community agencies to inform outreach efforts and program development. Community outreach by medical students through participation in community-based service learning projects is critically important for the preparation of future physicians to care for underserved and vulnerable populations. This study describes the stepwise approach taken by medical students to design and administer a needs assessment for the purpose of informing the development of a new street medicine program. This study is intended to serve as a guide to students who aspire to launch a new street medicine program but is generalizable to other student-led service learning outreaches. Methods We conducted a needs assessment from April-June 2018 of 144 unsheltered homeless individuals in metro Phoenix, Arizona. The 16-question survey investigated perceptions of priority needs, sources of medical care, health literacy, and health status. Survey results were analyzed using Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test, chi-squared analysis, and multivariable logistic regression. Results Most respondents (91.6%) identified food as a top need. The majority (64.1%) utilized Emergency Departments as their primary source of care, and 40.1% reported suboptimal health. Suboptimal health was more likely to be reported in those who expressed transportation (OR 3.03, 95% CI: 1.30-7.07) as a top priority need. Health illiteracy (OR 3.68, 95% CI: 0.76-17.9) was associated with suboptimal health, as was obtaining care at an Emergency Department (OR 2.05, 95% CI: 0.81-5.25). Conclusions Pairing health care with meals and other primary needs may be an effective strategy to increase service utilization by this population. Needs assessments provide an opportunity for health professional students to learn about social needs and more effectively connect patients with services from community agencies and health care organizations.

The Street Medicine Auto-refraction Technology Study: A Model for Screening and Treating Refractive Error in Persons Experiencing Homelessness

PurposeThe SMART study is an efficient and cost-effective treatment of refractive-error (RE) and identification of potential non-RE pathology in people experiencing homelessness (PEH). DesignOutreach evaluation for diagnosis and treatment. MethodsThe internal medicine physicians/staff team used a protocol designed by ophthalmology to screen and treat PEH. First, the uncorrected visual acuity (ucVA) was measured, which was defined as a patient's visual acuity without the use of any glasses. Those with 2-line improvement on pinhole testing (phVA) underwent handheld portable auto-refraction (AR). During a second encounter, glasses purchased from the AR measurements were distributed, and vision was re-measured with the new glasses or current corrected visual acuity (ccVA). Patients with a final VA ≥0.3 logMAR (equivalent to Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) 20/40) were referred to an ophthalmology clinic for further evaluation. ResultsThis was a prospective study of 117 patients (226 eyes). ucVA was 0.64 logMAR (equivalent to ETDRS 20/87) for both the right (OD) and the left eye (OS). 90/98 (91.8%) patients successfully underwent AR. 80/88 (90.1%) patients have received their glasses. For the 61 patients that completed their second visit, the average improvement in VA (ccVA – ucVA) was 5 lines. 23/117 (19.7%) were referred to ophthalmology for further evaluation. Post-study Likert surveys (1=strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree) showed patient satisfaction with the testing (4.7), the AR (4.6), seeing better (4.8), and doing activities with glasses (4.7). Additionally, most patients agreed they would not have obtained glasses without the study (4.7). ConclusionsThis is a new model to screen RE and provide affordable glasses to PEH in a non-ambulatory setting. Patients with potential non-RE can be sent for further evaluation.

Beyond Brick and Mortar: The Rise of Street Medicine.

In 2023, approximately 650,000 people experienced homelessness (PEH) nightly in the United States, the highest number recorded in the country's history. This alarming statistic has made homelessness a key issue in the 2024 elections, especially with the White House's goal to reduce homelessness by 25% by 2025. Despite efforts and investments, homelessness remains a persistent public health challenge. The recent inclusion of street medicine services in Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) billing codes represents a significant step forward. Street medicine, defined by CMS as healthcare provided in non-permanent locations to unsheltered individuals, now qualifies for Medicare reimbursement. This policy change, alongside state-level initiatives, aims to improve healthcare access for the unhoused, particularly older adults. However, challenges remain in establishing adequate fee schedules and integrating care management. Despite these obstacles, the integration of healthcare and housing services is crucial for addressing homelessness effectively, promoting stability, and improving health outcomes for PEH. This manuscript explores the history, practical guidance, and potential impacts of these developments on homelessness and public health.

Implementing a Reproducible Foot and Vaccine Clinic Model to Address Healthcare Needs of People Experiencing Homelessness

Background: Homeless Health, Education, Awareness and Leadership in Street Medicine (HEALS) is a nonprofit, medical student-run organization. The mission of HEALS is to address the medical and psychosocial needs of people experiencing homelessness (PEH). Through street medicine outreach initiatives, HEALS works to improve health outcomes associated with unstable housing and limited access to healthcare. The HEALS Foot and Vaccine Clinic was developed to screen for and treat vascular insufficiency, chronic and acute wounds, and foot-related pathologies, and provide vaccinations to prevent infectious illnesses. This clinic also aimed to prevent exposure-related injuries by providing proper footwear and direct access to care. Aim: Our objective is to create a reproducible foot and vaccine clinic model for student-run clinics to address the needs of PEH through interprofessional collaboration and service learning. Methods: The event was funded through a crowdfunding campaign and donations and was hosted at a local shelter. Medical students and physicians employed by the medical school partnered with five community outreach programs to provide medical care. The Department of Health (DoH) administered vaccinations against common viral diseases. Results: Through crowdfunding campaigns, $6,646.00 was raised to contribute to the cost of boots, hygiene kits for attendees, and cleaning supplies, budgeted at $5,198.00. Forty-seven individuals experiencing homelessness were provided with foot care and twenty-six vaccines were administered. The DoH administered twelve hepatitis A, five coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and nine influenza vaccinations at this event. Successive members of HEALS have since replicated this model to replicate foot and vaccine clinics and expand outreach to the neighboring county, yielding increased event attendance and funding. Using this model, student-run free clinics may implement similar initiatives within their own communities to address the complex needs of PEH.

The Role of Street Medicine and Mobile Clinics for Persons Experiencing Homelessness: A Scoping Review.

An estimated 5800 to 46,500 lives are lost due to homelessness each year. Experiencing homelessness and poor health are cyclically related, with one reinforcing the other. Mobile programs, which include vehicles that travel to deliver care, and street medicine, the act of bringing care to spaces where PEH live, may play a role in alleviating this burden by providing trusted, affordable, and accessible care to this community. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature on the role of mobile clinics and street medicine in providing care for PEH by searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science on 10 August 2023. Articles from 2013 to 2023 specific to programs in the United States were included. The protocol was developed following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The primary outcome was the role of mobile programs for persons experiencing homelessness. A total of 15 articles were included in this review. The descriptive findings emphasized that street medicine and mobile clinics provide primary care, behavioral health, and social services. The utilization findings indicate that street medicine programs positively impact the health system through their ability to defer emergency department and hospital visits, providing financial benefits. The comparative findings between mobile programs and office-based programs indicate current successes and areas for improvement. Mobile clinics and street medicine programs that serve PEH provide a wide range of services. While more significant structural change is needed to address healthcare costs and housing policies in the United States, mobile clinics and street medicine teams can improve healthcare access and the healthcare system.

Perspectives on Aging and Illness by Homeless Adults Receiving Street Medicine

Perspectives on Aging and Illness by Homeless Adults Receiving Street Medicine

Healthcare outcomes for unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness using a street medicine model of care: a pilot program evaluation

Healthcare outcomes for unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness using a street medicine model of care: a pilot program evaluation

220 The Unheard Voices of Clinical Trials: Fostering Inclusivity for People Experiencing Homelessness in Clinical Trials

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Investigate the perspectives of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) on clinical trials to uncover knowledge gaps and attitudes. This study aims to offer insights for clinical researchers to enhance engagement with this marginalized group, ushering in a more inclusive clinical trial process. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A 14-question survey was developed in collaboration with the Street Medicine Team at the University of Southern California and other stakeholders of PEH research. Initial questions assess knowledge of clinical trials, followed by questions gauging sentiments on clinical trial participation, and final questions on the significance, benefits, and risks of clinical trials. Upon approval by the local Institutional Review Board, the survey will be administered in an interview format. Study participants will be from locations within the area of operations of the USC Street Medicine team–in and around Hollywood, South Los Angeles, and/or the Los Angeles Council District 1. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We anticipate that the results of this study will offer valuable insights into the perspectives of PEH regarding clinical trials. Results will also provide varying levels of knowledge and understanding among PEH about clinical trials, along with their past experiences in clinical trial participation, and willingness for future involvement in such trials. Further, the results will reveal whether respondents feel they are being properly represented in clinical research projects that could impact themselves and their community. This project can also enhance our understanding of the expectations and concerns of PEH regarding their potential participation in clinical trials. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The outcomes of this research project have the potential to lay the groundwork for enhancing the involvement of PEH in translational science research, encompassing aspects from study design to participation. This improvement could benefit not only participants but also various stakeholders involved.

Wound Irrigation Using Normal Saline 0.9% Versus Tap Water: A Review for Street Medicine and Low-resource Providers

Patients experiencing homelessness are a vulnerable cohort who suffer from disproportionate skin disease burden. Acute and chronic wounds represent high morbidity conditions with severe consequences. Adequate management in the form of cleansing and irrigation is necessary for removing cellular debris, bacteria and contaminants. Providers in low-resource street medicine settings may be the first point of contact in the management of wounds encountered by unhoused patients. This review determines the feasibility of improvised irrigation techniques that can be used in street settings to irrigate wounds. A MEDLINE search was conducted and yielded randomized controlled trials, laboratory studies and case-control studies. No significant difference in wound infection and healing rates was found when normal saline 0.9% or tap water was used in wound irrigation. Improvised cleansing devices with suitable irrigation pressure included water bottles punctured with 14-18-gauge needles, 10-mL syringes and 50-syringes. Lower and upper extremity wounds were found to be at higher risk of infection, requiring judicious management and cleaning. Street medicine providers should consider weighing the benefits versus risks of on-site, improvised wound irrigation for acute soft tissue injuries, especially in the setting of limited resources.

REDCap as a Platform for Cutaneous Disease Management in Street Medicine: Descriptive Study.

REDCap as a Platform for Cutaneous Disease Management in Street Medicine: Descriptive Study.

Street medicine: An interprofessional elective to address the unhoused population crisis

Background and purposeThe homelessness crisis continues to escalate nationwide, yet many healthcare providers are not adequately prepared to provide care for unhoused patients. An interprofessional Street Medicine elective was developed to address identified knowledge gaps in the unhoused population healthcare needs. Educational activity and settingThe course comprised didactic and clinical elements focused on empathetic communication, resource utilization, and medical management for unhoused patients. Course learning outcomes were evaluated via thematic analysis of students' post-course reflective essays. Additionally, students completed a voluntary survey to evaluate course effectiveness in preparing students for healthcare in the unhoused population and to identify areas for course improvement. FindingsThirty students completed the course (17 osteopathic medical, five pharmacy, eight joint physician assistant/public health). All enrolled students submitted mandatory post-course reflections and 57% completed the voluntary survey. Thematic analysis of reflections indicated that the course content challenged biases toward unhoused populations, equipped students with new perspectives on the unique healthcare needs for unhoused patients, and provided interprofessional approaches to address these needs. Voluntary survey results demonstrated students' preparedness to provide effective care for local unhoused patients without bias or stigma. Most students reported they were likely to incorporate the knowledge/skills acquired from the course in their future clinical practice and were satisfied with the course content and organization. SummaryThe Street Medicine elective provided a structured interprofessional curricular opportunity on specialized care for unhoused individuals. This course can be adapted by other healthcare professional programs to empower students to address the growing homelessness crisis.