NCJ Number
75389
Date Published
1979
Length
522 pages
Annotation
Findings and recommendations are reported from an evaluation of the processes and outcomes of a program designed to improve the correctional health care system in 10 States.
Abstract
The program consisted of education and technical assistance, with the involvement of correctional health care administrators, providers, and key actors in the nonprison health care sector. Program elements included workshops for correctional health care administrators, health care providers, corrections department trainers, and correctional officers; development of 18 program manuals; development of standards for prison health care; and a national workshop on correctional health. Evaluation data were gathered via site visits to the 10 States, during which structured interviews were used to examine the processes and results of the program. Results indicated that the program contributed to attitudinal and motivational changes as well as to increased knowledge and skills. Although few actual improvements in health care were found to result from the program, the effort did contribute to an improved environment for change and a recognition that change is both needed and possible. In some States, the program also helped establish a process which can support the momentum for change stimulated by this effort. Various factors, such as the decisionmaking structure and health care leadership, affect a State's ability to use program resources for making changes. Thus, administrators and correctional personnel should be included in target audiences, and future efforts should include a more thorough needs identification and assessment. Moreover, program processes should be chosen in a coordinated manner, and strong central leadership should be provided. Profiles of individual States and evaluation from participants in the training workshops are presented in the second and third volumes of the report. Appendixes present workshop outlines, evaluation forms. and related information.