Unrepresented and Homeless

A 60-year-old homeless man is found confused and in distress by a passerby who calls 911. Paramedics bring the man to the hospital. The man’s feet and legs are swollen and covered in ulcers and dead tissue—diagnosed as osteomyelitis, or infection of his legs. His past medical history is established to include COPD, chronic foot infections, alcoholism, and tobacco use. In addition to this, clinicians find a mass in his lung that could either be TB or cancer. Physicians recommend a biopsy. The infections in this patient’s legs are so severe that a double amputation is recommended, also.

• What part, if any, should Homelessness play in treatment options?
• What else, if anything, should be taken into consideration? Why?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)