NCJ Number
73513
Journal
Canadian Journal of Public Health Volume: 67 Issue: 4 Dated: (July/August 1976) Pages: 295-299
Date Published
1976
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The experience of two family physicians in a prison for male offenders in Saskatchewan over a period of 6 months is reviewed, and data on the utilization of physician services are presented.
Abstract
The Provincial Correctional Center (PCC) in Regina, Saskatchewan, had a total of 3,178 admissions during 1973-74, with an average daily population of 261.6 inmates. Since September 1974, the contract for medical services at the PCC has been undertaken by the physician group of the Regina Community Health Center, a consumer-sponsored, government-financed, comprehensive ambulatory care facility. Members from the group are assigned to prison duty on a rotating basis for 3 month periods. For most laboratory tests and radiological procedures, inmates are taken to the Health Center. A review of medical records at the PCC, Community Health Center, and General Hospital showed that the demand for health services had increased markedly. Symptoms and ill-defined conditions, infections, trauma, and psychosocial disorders were the leading reasons why care was sought from physicians. The study found that the system of having physicians serve in rotation seemed to offset a high turnover rate and provide continuity of care. It is recommended that more emphasis be placed on preventive care, that sick parades be initially monitored by the nurse, and that further investigation be conducted to determine whether providing more extensive facilities such as an X-ray unit would reduce costs in the long run. It is concluded that the health of all segments of society should be the concern of the health professions. Tabular data and 11 references are given.