Health and psychosocial needs of homeless families: a pilot education and research program.

Family homelessness is increasing and poses unique clinical challenges to physicians who provide health services to this population. Curricula designed to prepare health professionals to effectively care for homeless families is lacking. This report describes a pilot education and research program for family practice residents based at the University of Massachusetts' community health center training site. In addition to providing critical health services to Worcester area homeless families, the program prepares residents to provide continuous, comprehensive, and context-sensitive care to families. The program also familiarizes residents with methods to conduct clinical research with an underserved population.