Psycho-Dynamics of Rendering Foot and Wound Care to Psychologically Challenged Street Homeless

Providing foot and wound care to psychologically challenged homeless persons presents complex psychosocial and medical challenges. Homeless individuals often suffer from both physical and psychological comorbidities that are compounded by their living conditions. In this article, I explore the psycho-dynamics of delivering foot and related wound care to homeless persons with psychological challenges. Challenges related to delivering care to this vulnerable population include psycho-social dynamics/interaction, accommodating the emotional and behavioral challenges in delivering care, trauma-informed factors, and the relational impacts on both patients and providers. Best clinical practices for creating a safe and supportive space for both practitioner and patient are outlined, drawing from existing literature and evidence-based care models.