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BACKGROUND: Research has long documented the increased emergency department usage by persons who are homeless compared with their housed counterparts, as well as an increased prevalence of infectious diseases. However, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the comparative treatment that persons who are homeless receive. This study seeks to describe this potential difference in treatment, including diagnostic services tested, procedures performed and medications prescribed. METHODS: This study used a retrospective, cohort study design to analyse data from the 2007-2010 United States National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey database, specifically looking at the emergency department subset. Complex sample logistic regression analysis was used to compare variables, including diagnostic services, procedures and medication classes prescribed between homeless and private residence individuals seeking emergency department treatment for infectious diseases. Findings were then adjusted for potential confounding variables. RESULTS: Compared with private residence individuals, persons who are homeless and presenting with an infectious disease were more likely (adjusted OR: 10.99, CI 1.08 to 111.40, p<0.05) to receive sutures or staples and less likely (adjusted OR: 0.29, CI 0.10 to 0.87, p<0.05) to be provided medications when presenting with an infectious disease in US emergency departments. Significant differences were also detected in prescribing habits of multiple anti-infective medication classes. CONCLUSION: This study detected a significant difference in suturing/stapling and medication prescribing patterns for persons who are homeless with an infectious disease in US emergency departments. While some findings can likely be explained by the prevalence of specific infectious organisms in homeless populations, other findings would benefit from further research.
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The Spring 2023 Webinar Audio Seminar (WAS) of the International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE), titled "Widening the Road to Health Professions Education: Expanding Access for Diverse and Underserved Populations," was designed to help health science educators explore innovative practices in recruiting and enrolling students from underserved populations into health sciences programs. From March 2, 2023, to March 30, 2023, this five-part webinar series was broadcast live to institutions and educators worldwide. This series helped participants learn about creating pathways for students to meet the unique needs of their communities.