Acute and Inpatient Occupational Therapy Practice for People with Chronic Conditions Who are Experiencing Homelessness

Authors

• Emily K. Simpson, Midwestern University - Downers GroveFollow
• Anne K. MokateFollow
• Elizabeth A. GibbsFollow
• Nina K. DuricFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Despite having high rates of chronic illness, people experiencing homelessness (PEH) in the United States face barriers to healthcare access that result in unmet health needs and poor health outcomes.  The objective of the study was to identify the barriers to service experienced by occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) in acute and inpatient settings in providing services to PEH and to describe education strategies to reduce those barriers. Methods: Researchers employed a cross-sectional design with OTPs (n=292) with experience treating PEH. Results: Barriers to treatment for OTP included lack of education, need to prioritize acute concerns, and inadequate institutional resources. Barriers to self-management of conditions by PEH included stigma, the choice to decline treatment, and difficulty accessing materials. Conclusion: With more intentional education, OTPs may facilitate person-centered management of chronic conditions for PEH. OTPs will also be better able to address social determinants of health, advocate for institutional resources, and intervene at the systems level to impact policy and improve healthcare accessibility for PEH.

Author Bio(s)

Emily Simpson is a Professor in the Occupational Therapy Program at Midwestern University with a PhD in education leadership. She teaches courses on psychosocial practice, research, and occupational justice, and her primary research interest is on vocational interventions for people experiencing homelessness. Her clinical experience is in community-based practice

Annie Mokate is an occupational therapist at a Skilled Nursing Facility in Helena, MT. Annie additionally works as a traveling therapist with experience in inpatient rehab, outpatient neuro, and skilled nursing . Her primary professional interests include working with vulnerable populations, particularly underfunded geriatric clients. 

Elizabeth Gibbs is an outpatient orthopedic occupational therapist in Palo Alto, CA.  Elizabeth has been working in outpatient orthopedics over the last two years in both Chicago and California and is a lecturer for the Agile Physical Therapy Hand Fellowship Program. Her professional interests include chronic pain, education and research. 

Nina Duric, OTD, OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist in Chicago, IL working at a clinic called Occupational Therapy Now. Her primary professional interests include interventions for neurodivergent children from marginalized populations. 

Acknowledgements

N/A

Recommended Citation

Simpson EK, Mokate AK, Gibbs EA, Duric NK. Acute and Inpatient Occupational Therapy Practice for People with Chronic Conditions Who are Experiencing Homelessness. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Jun 08;24(2), Article 24.