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Abstract

Homeless individuals have significantly higher rates of mortality, morbidity, and hospitalization compared to the general population. Foot problems have been described as a common concern among homeless individuals, but these are often overlooked and inadequately treated. The purpose of this article is to describe the development, implementation, and evaluation activities of footcare clinics for homeless clients as an extension of a “Suitcase Clinic” that functions within homeless shelter sites. The Suitcase Clinic provides a unique healthcare delivery model that addresses the unconventional and complex health concerns of both sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals. This service provides clinical learning activities for public health nursing and physician assistant students within an academic-community partnership while addressing the complex needs of vulnerable homeless populations. Evaluation activities are based on the Donabedian model of structure, process, and outcome. Community-based programs with targeted screening and referrals for foot care problems can result in improved health outcomes for homeless individuals.

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