Abstract
Aims: The central aim of this project is to improve primary and secondary cancer prevention among people experiencing homelessness (PEH) through promoting cancer awareness and self-management, and to effectively guide PEH through healthcare systems, facilitate their access to care, and enhance their general and cancer-specific health outcomes.
Methods: A Health Navigator Model (HNM) is currently being piloted through the implementation of a longitudinal cohort of PEH across four European countries (Austria, Greece, Spain, and the UK) as part of the Horizon 2020 CANCERLESS project. The HNM is being delivered by Health Navigators (HN) who are professionals with a background in health or social care and an understanding of the local population. Data are collected through pre-vs post questionnaires and interviews with PEH. Interviews are audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim and then thematically analysed. Questionnaires are collected manually and face-to-face by using paper forms - this data is then transferred to an online database. Key findings of the qualitative and quantitative data will be available after December 2023 and included in this presentation for the UK Site.
Results: The HNM is being implemented across the four European countries until December 2023. To date, 155 PEH agreed to participate in the HN intervention in the UK. Of those, 25 registered with GP services, 40 took part in educational workshops on cancer symptoms/signs and general cancer prevention, 22 participated in physical activity (gym, swimming or football) and 59 underwent screening services (phone consultations, general health checks, blood tests, Hepatitis C tests).
Conclusion: The HNM appears to be an effective approach in facilitating access to healthcare services and cancer screening, promoting cancer awareness and self-management, overcoming health inequalities and providing practical assistance to PEH.