Role of community and practice nurses in improving primary care for women experiencing homelessness

The life expectancy of women experiencing homelessness in the UK is just 43.2 years, compared with 45.4 years for their male counterparts. While lack of access to primary care for people experiencing homelessness is a recognised issue, there is limited research regarding the gender-specific barriers faced by women and the implications for nursing practice. This article outlines some of the barriers to primary care in the UK for people experiencing homelessness and explores various gender-specific considerations. Implications for practice include actions at structural and policy level, including clear signposting and trauma-informed care to reduce access barriers and the risk of re-traumatisation. The author also makes some recommendations for practice for community and social care nurses involved in the care of women experiencing homelessness.