Open AccessHeterogeneity in Jail Nursing Medical Intake Forms: A Content Analysis
Author(s) -
Alysse G. Wurcel,
Gang Chen,
Julia Zubiago,
Jessica Wolpaw Reyes,
Kathryn M. Nowotny
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of correctional health care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 1940-5200
pISSN - 1078-3458
DOI - 10.1089/jchc.20.04.0018
Subject(s) - medicine , opioid use disorder , psychological intervention , nursing interventions classification , nursing , substance abuse , public health , infectious disease (medical specialty) , psychiatry , family medicine , disease , opioid , receptor
Despite high prevalence of infectious diseases and substance use disorders in jails, there are limited guidelines for the nursing intake process in this setting. We performed a content analysis of nursing intake forms used at each of the 14 Massachusetts county jails, focusing on infectious disease and substance use disorder. Only 85% of jails offered HIV testing during nursing intake and 50% of jails offered hepatitis C testing. Preventive interventions such as vaccines or pre-exposure prophylaxis therapy were infrequently offered during nursing intake. Screening for substance use disorder was present on the majority of intake forms, but only 23% of intake forms inquired about ongoing medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. The results reflect heterogeneity in nursing intake forms, highlighting missed opportunities for public health interventions.