Using Telehealth for Behavioral Health in the Criminal Justice System

• NCJ Number: 255459
• Date Published: September 2020
• Length: 5 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2017– AR– BX– K003
• Agencies: BJA-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description; Instructional Material (Programmed)

Annotation

This article explains how the use of telehealth - the interactive electronic exchange of information for diagnosis, treatment, support, or care management - can be a useful component for grantees of the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP), which focuses on a collaborative intervention strategy to address substance abuse.

Abstract

The article notes that when implemented successfully, telehealth can improve access to care under recent social distancing requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also describes the types of telehealth services that can address impediments that prevent in-person interaction with treatment providers. The types of telehealth modes described are live video; the electronic transmission of photos and x-rays; the transmission of data from monitoring devices; and the use of cell phone apps that provide health-related information. Descriptions of key steps to telehealth readiness address the selection of one or more types of telehealth services to be offered; the identification of which policies and procedures must be changed; preparation of the staff involved in the program; the preparation of patients; and the analysis of costs and benefits. 17 references