A discussion about California prison health care issues in general, with an emphasis on identification and treatment of inmates with tuberculosis and/or Human Immonodeficiency Virus (HIV). Research was done for a Master's Project paper. Areas of need that were identified include: inmates getting transferred to new correctional facilities without their medical records; inmates with communicable diseases being transferred or released without medical clearance; inmates changing their names when they arrive at a new correctional facility; inadequate training or possible bias among medical/nursing/correctional facility staff towards inmates with HIV; inadequate number of medical/nursing staff who are certified HIV pre- and post-test counselors at local facilities; and, inadequate medical screening at the local level. The impact of the previously identified problem areas include: potential for an increased incidence of inmates and staff contracting preventable communicable diseases; increased cost of health care services due to duplication of medical tests; and increased cost of health care services due to delays in identification and treatment of communicable diseases. Recommendations to be presented at conference.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Areas of need in prison health care regarding identification and treatment of inmates with tuberculosis and/or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) 2. Identify factors contributing to difficulties in identifying and treating inmates with tuberculosis and/or HIV 3. Identify potential solutions to improve health care services for inmates with tuberculosis and/or HIV
Keywords: Prisoners Health Care, Communicable Disease
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.