Importance of Health Care Data Collection and Research (From National Conference on Medical Care and Health Services in Correctional Institutions, 3rd - Proceedings, P 183-190, 1979 - See NCJ-91157)

• NCJ Number: 91167
• Author(s): F Reynolds
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche as NCJ-91157

Annotation

Studies by the General Accounting Office (GAO) and the American Medical Association (AMA) indicate that correctional institutions have not maintained adequate records of inmate health care needs and treatment, thus obstructing planning and evaluation.

Abstract

A 1979 GAO study found that to varying degrees prison and jail systems lacked information on the overall extent and type of health problems in inmate populations. Moreover, records of treatment actions and needs were often incomplete or disorganized, while pertinent information was not forwarded when inmates were transferred. Correctional administrators need such information to determine the level of care needed and the type and amount of resources required. From this analysis, they can design an effective, efficient health care delivery system. Officials frequently indicated they lacked the necessary funding to make improvements in their records systems; however, given the likelihood that correctional institutions will continue to be underfunded, it is critical that ways be found to improve the use of health care resources. According to the AMA, a patient's medical record should be sufficiently detailed to enable another practitioner to assume the care of the patient at any time.