Polillo A, Gran-Ruaz S, Sylvestre J, Kerman N. (2021). The use of eHealth interventions among persons experiencing homelessness: A systematic review. Digital Health. https://doi.org/10.1177/2055207620987066
A systematic review was conducted to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of eHealth interventions for homeless populations, and the experiences of homeless population representatives with these digital interventions. Eight articles met the eligibility criteria from the review. All articles were pilot or feasibility studies that used short message service, mobile apps, computers, email, and/or websites, to deliver the interventions. Studies had primarily qualitative or quasi-experimental designs; there was only one randomized-controlled trial. Participants expressed that the accessibility, flexibility, and convenience of interventions are beneficial. However, participants viewed phone retention, limited adaptability, high level of human involvement, and preference for in-person communication as barriers to eHealth interventions. Overall, eHealth interventions have the potential to improve access to care and service delivery because they are feasible and usable for the homeless population. However, there are a number of barriers to adoption and use of these interventions by homeless individuals that need to be considered in designing and implementing eHealth interventions.