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Abstract: 

Even the best of clinicians find correctional institutions difficult environments in which to work. Inmates frequently have multiple medical, mental health, and substance-abuse issues that are not easily managed by a single provider. Furthermore, the number of correctional patients with coexisting mental health and medical needs is increasing. Studies suggest that inmates in both jails and prisons bear a heavier burden of chronic medical illnesses than do people in the general population. In a recent study, an estimated 44% of state inmates and 39% of federal inmates reported a current medical problem other than a cold or viral infection, while 16% of state inmates and 8% of federal inmates reported multiple impairments. 1 The prevalence of chronic conditions varied by age and gender. In jails and prisons, patients with medical problems and mental illness are treated under the same roof. This is rare in community-based medical and mental health care.

Keywords: Hypertension, Obesity, Arthritis, Asthma, Hepatitis, HIV, TB, psychotic disorder, alcohol, drugs

Affiliations:  1: NaphCare, Inc.; 2: NaphCare, Inc..