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Abstract
Discharge planning and continuity of care for HIV-infected prison inmates in the U.S.: a survey of ten states (supported by the centers for disease control and prevention)
C A Roberts1, S S Kennedy2, K M Krane Rapposelli3, J R Miles3, N F Rosenberg2, T M Hammett2
1Abt Associates Inc., Cambridge, United States; 2Abt Associates Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States; 3Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
Background: U.S. prison inmates have higher rates of HIV infection than the total population, and when HIV-infected inmates are released from prison, they need targeted programs to help them connect to community health care. HIV-infected releasees often also face such obstacles as substance abuse and mental health problems and lack of resources to meet their basic needs. Because releasees are in transition from the closed prison system to the community, often no entity has clear responsibility to help them.
Methods: This study examines discharge planning policies and practices for HIV-infected inmates in 10 states. Discharge planning is a process in which inmates work with staff at departments of corrections or community-based organizations (CBOs) to identify post-release needs, apply for benefits and make appointments for community medical and social services. The study outlines policy, organizational and operational issues and successful strategies. Data were gathered in 2000-2001 through surveys and in-depth phone interviews with 96 respondents from corrections, state and local public health departments, parole and CBOs serving this population.
Results: Most of the prison systems offered pre-release discharge planning services to HIV-infected inmates, but the scope and availability of services varied greatly. Lessons for program design include: dedicating staff to provide pre-release planning; arranging for state public health department collaboration and oversight of continuity of care; and establishing collaborations with CBOs that meet with inmates prior to release and follow up with them in the community.
Conclusions: Collaboration between corrections, public health, and CBOs is an effective strategy for facilitating continuity of medical and social services for inmates in transition. The discharge plan should cover continuity of care, medications, and connections to case management, housing, benefits and mental health and substance abuse treatment.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
MoPeE3794
Suggested Citation
" C A Roberts , , et al.
Discharge planning and continuity of care for HIV-infected prison inmates in the U.S.: a survey of ten states (supported by the centers for disease control and prevention)
.
Poster Exhibition:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
MoPeE3794"
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