Conference presentation · APHA 2025
A Longitudinal Mixed Methods Evaluation of Field Medicine Programs in Los Angeles County
Overview
Field medicine programs have emerged across the United States to provide mobile healthcare to people experiencing homelessness (PEH), meeting patients where they are and reducing barriers to care. Despite growing adoption, the broader programmatic and health impacts of these initiatives have remained understudied.
Study design
This study presents baseline findings from a countywide evaluation of field medicine programs in Los Angeles County, integrating:
The PATHS longitudinal survey of 600 unhoused Angelenos as a comparison cohort
A parallel cohort of 400 field medicine participants recruited across multiple safety-net provider partners
Qualitative interviews assessing lived experiences, access to care, and perceived value of services
Preliminary findings
Field medicine participants report higher medical vulnerability, more chronic health and mental health conditions, and greater reliance on emergency care than the general unsheltered population. Patients highlighted provider support and accessibility as major benefits, while structural barriers, mobility, limited outreach continuity, and difficulty securing housing referrals, continue to impede sustained care engagement.