Unmet Training Needs of Physiotherapists to Optimise Care for Patients Who Are Homeless.

Background: People experiencing homelessness often have complex health issues. To provide optimum care to this group, additional training may be needed by health professionals such as physiotherapists, the need for which is not well known. The aim of this study was to assess the unmet training needs of physiotherapists with regards to managing people who are homeless.

Methods: An online survey tool was distributed via Twitter. The online survey tool evaluated previous training and perceived training needs.

Results: 203 responses were received. Over half (54.2%, n=110) had treated people who are experiencing homelessness in the previous 12 months, yet over one-third (38.9%, n=79) received no relevant training. The most common form of training was 'conflict resolution' (n=81, 39.9%) followed by 'de-escalation techniques' (n=46, 22.7%). Specific training needs identified centred around community support on discharge (n=49), discharge options (n=41) and social supports (n=38).

Conclusion: As a training need was identified, context-specific training should be embedded in routine practice for physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals who manage people experiencing homelessness.