Anesthesiologists are in a position to help reduce high complication, readmission and emergency department visit rates among patients experiencing homelessness, according to an Aug. 11 review published in Cureus.
The study analyzed 22 peer-reviewed papers published between 2010 and April 2025, identified through searches of PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science and SCOPUS. Researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City used targeted keywords and medical subject headings to capture literature on postoperative disparities in homeless patients, then applied selection criteria and independent author review to reduce bias.
The review found that homeless patients face higher risks of infections, life-threatening complications, longer hospital stays and, in some cases, increased mortality. Contributing factors include limited access to follow-up care, unstable housing for recovery and reduced trust in the medical system.
The study authors recommended anesthesiologists use their expanding role beyond the operating room to craft solutions, such as incorporating housing status into enhanced recovery protocols, expanding telemedicine and remote monitoring, improving discharge planning with respite housing and advocating for housing-first policies.
The review also called for more specialty-specific research to better identify disparities and develop targeted interventions.
