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May 16, 2026Journal of General Internal MedicineOpen Access

Patient and Primary Care Characteristics Associated with Emergency Department Utilization Among Homeless-Experienced Veterans

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Authors

ESErin F ShufflebargerUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamADAerin J. DeRussyBirmingham VA Medical CenterAHApril E. HogeBirmingham VA Medical Center

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Implication

Retrospective cohort study identifies high ED utilization predictors in homeless-experienced veterans, suggesting care improvements may help reduce visits.

Key Points

  • The study aims to identify predictors of high emergency department utilization among homeless-experienced veterans and examine the influence of primary care experience.
  • Retrospective cohort study linking national survey data and electronic health records.
  • Participants included 5079 homeless-experienced veterans engaged in Veterans Health Administration primary care.
  • Assessment of primary care type, patient-reported experience, and ED utilization over one year.
  • High ED utilization observed in 9.3% (474) of veterans, linked to chronic homelessness, pain, comorbidities, and substance use.
  • Unfavorable primary care experience increased odds of high ED utilization (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.26–1.68).
  • Care in homeless-tailored clinics associated with 0.15 fewer ED visits annually.

Cite This Study

Shufflebarger et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a080b84a487c87a6a40da0bhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-026-10471-x
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Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Access to Basic Needs and Healthcare by People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness2025 · 5 citations
  2. 2Insights for conducting large-scale surveys with veterans who have experienced homelessness2021 · 8 citations
  3. 3Epidemiologic Analysis of an Urban, Public Emergency Department's Frequent Users2000 · 372 citations
  4. 4Emergency department crowding: A systematic review of causes, consequences and solutions2018 · 1,420 citations
  5. 5Patient Dissatisfaction With Primary Care and Nonurgent Emergency Department Use2019 · 7 citations