NCJ Number
169004
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 59 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1997) Pages: 68-70
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Correctional institutions are increasingly using telemedicine in the form of interactive videoconferencing in which information is exchanged through full duplex video and audio systems that have clarity close to broadcast capability.
Abstract
In addition, telemedicine in its broadest sense refers to the use of the telephone, fax, store-and-forward computer systems, e-mail, and any other kind of communications technology that delivers health care or health information. The interactive videoconferencing enables correctional systems to overcome shortages of health care personnel, obtain access to medical specialists, improve security, and reduce travel costs. The videoconferencing equipment can cost $80,000 to $100,000. However, inmate transport costs from $800 per inmate per visit. Ohio exemplifies the use of telemedicine. Each year, inmates make 20,000 visits to the Ohio Correctional Medical Center. Until recently, specialists from the nearby university hospital drove to the prison hospital for regularly scheduled specialty clinics. Telemedicine now operates at nine sites and eventually will serve 300 or more persons per month. Successful telemedicine programs are easy to use, accessible, and integrated into routine systems of health care delivery. Essential elements are full cooperation from the highest levels of all organizations involved, a thorough needs assessment, an implementation team with members from all organizations, and evaluation and a research feedback loop. Photograph and map