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Bringing it all back home: Understanding the medical difficulties encountered by newly released prisoners in New Orleans, Louisiana – a qualitative study
Author(s) -
Vail William Lee,
Niyogi Anjali,
Henderson Norris,
Wennerstrom Ashley
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
health and social care in the community
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.984
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1365-2524
pISSN - 0966-0410
DOI - 10.1111/hsc.12445
Subject(s) - general partnership , health care , medicine , population , qualitative research , gerontology , nursing , sociology , political science , environmental health , law , social science
Abstract Formerly incarcerated persons ( FIP s) face a disproportionate risk of death and serious illness in the immediate post‐release period. Therefore, it is a critical time to initiate community‐based care for chronic illnesses and behavioural disorders. Little is known about the unique transitional health and social support needs of FIP s in Louisiana, which has the highest incarceration rate in the world. As the average age of prisoners in the United States rises, the release of older prisoners with chronic conditions will become increasingly common. The aim of this study was to explore the healthcare experiences of FIP s in Louisiana in order to inform delivery of services tailored to this population. This research was done in partnership with a community organisation that advocates for restoration of voting rights to FIP s and helps newly released individuals transition back into society. This organisation identified FIP s in the Greater New Orleans area, and from January to May 2015, we conducted 24 semi‐structured, in‐person, audio‐recorded interviews at the community organisation's transitional living facility. The interviews assessed FIP s' experiences with and barriers to receiving healthcare during and after incarceration. These discussions also explored FIP s' desires for services and attitudes towards health and healthcare. Interviews were transcribed and independently coded by two researchers. Interviewees reported negative experiences with healthcare during incarceration, and limited health guidance during the pre‐release process. Post‐release concerns included lack of insurance, difficulty accessing care and medication, and interest in learning about healthy lifestyles. Results suggest a need for a formalised system of transitional healthcare for FIP s. Findings are being used to inform a pilot transitional care clinic in New Orleans, Louisiana.