Emily Player, Emily Clark, Heidi Gure-Klinke, Jennifer Walker and Nick Steel
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the vulnerability of individuals living with tri-morbidity and the complexity of care required to serve this patient group, moreover to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the vulnerability of individuals living with tri-morbidity and the complexity of care required to serve this patient group, moreover to consider how a life course approach may assist.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses a case study of a death of a young male adult experiencing homelessness and tri-morbidity in the UK and comparison of the mortality data for homeless adults in the UK with the general population. A synopsis of the mental health and health inclusion guidance for vulnerable adults is used.
Findings
This paper found the importance of considering a life course approach and the impact of negative life events on individuals living with tri-morbidity and also the role of specialist services to support the complex needs of vulnerable adults including the importance of multi-disciplinary working and holistic care.
Research limitations/implications
The research implications of this study are to consider how individuals living with tri-morbidity fit in to evidence-based care.
Practical implications
The practical implication is to consider that those living with tri-morbidity have extra-ordinary lives often with a high concentration of negative life events. Therefore, an extra-ordinary approach to care maybe needed to ensure health inequalities are reduced.
Social implications
This paper is an important case highlighting health inequalities, specifically mortality, in the homeless population.
Originality/value
This paper is an original piece of work, with real cases discussed but anonymised according to guidance on reporting death case reports.