Editorial: Meeting the health care needs associated with poverty, homelessness and social exclusion: The need for an interprofessional approach

摘要

Social exclusion is defined as 'the inability to fully engage in society because of social characteristics that reduce opportunities for successful social engagement' (Nelson et al. 2007, Jackson and Saltman 2011). It not only is associated with a person's current situation but also implies limitations to future prospects (Hayes et al. 2008). Although social exclusion can exist in the absence of poverty (Hayes et al. 2008), as a concept, it is intrinsically linked with poverty and socioeconomic deprivation. Poverty is an issue of central concern to nurses and all health professionals, because it remains one of the key variables negatively affecting health and well-being and denies people the ability to achieve optimal health(Hwang 2001, Wright & Tompkins 2006, Hayes et al.2008, Morrison 2009, Rachlis et al.2009, Henderson 2011).