Navigator program aims to keep homeless patients out of the hospital

NCT ID NCT04961762

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a navigator program, where a Homeless Outreach Counsellor helps patients follow their discharge plan and connect with community services, improves outcomes for homeless adults after a hospital stay. Over 650 participants were randomly assigned to receive the navigator program or usual care. The main goal was to see if more people had a follow-up visit with a primary care provider within 30 days of leaving the hospital.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Navigator Program (case management by a Homeless Outreach Counsellor)

What this could lead to

If successful, this program could improve follow-up care and reduce hospital readmissions for homeless adults, pointing toward a scalable support model.

What could go wrong

This is a single completed trial; results may not apply to all regions or health systems. The program's effectiveness depends on local resources and staff availability.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • St. Michael's Hospital

    Toronto, Ontario, M5B1W8, Canada