Between the streets and the RAPS: Integrative review on the access of the homeless population to Mental Health Services

Abstract

This integrative review systematized the factors that influence access to mental health services for the Homeless Population (HP) in harmful use of alcohol and other drugs in the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS) in Brazil by categorizing the factors into access “barriers” and “facilitators”. We selected 13 corresponding articles and subsequently assessed their methodological quality. We identified 19 access barriers and 22 access facilitators, observing a convergence and complementarity of the factors identified, with no disagreements between authors. Although there are specific barriers and facilitators related to substance use, most are connected to HP’s conditions and lifestyles or how services address the HP. Discrimination, bureaucratic rigidity of services, and a lack of intra- and intersectoral integration were identified as significant barriers. On the other hand, Street Outreach Clinics and practices such as harm reduction and matrix-based support emerged as notable facilitators, adapting to patients’ needs. Future studies should explore specific factors and the relationships between these factors.

Key words:
Homeless population; Health Services Accessibility; Mental Health Services; Substance-Related Disorders