Inmates and Disease Management

Study Notes

Inmates are more likely to "share" communicable diseases due to the closed environment of correctional facilities.
Older inmates are more susceptible to chronic conditions like dementia, mobility issues, and sensory loss, requiring more staff and resources.
Inmates often experience the effects of aging sooner than the general population due to substance use, limited access to healthcare, and prison stress.
Common chronic diseases in inmates include arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease, stroke recovery, and cancer.
Communicable diseases spread through direct contact with infected individuals or indirectly through vectors like insects or contaminated objects.

Facilities need comprehensive policies to control communicable diseases like hepatitis, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, novel influenza, MRSA, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Encourage inmates to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues.
Emphasize good hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer.
Ensure hand cleansing products are readily available in key areas like entry points, visitation areas, common spaces, and staff-restricted zones.
Regularly clean common areas and use appropriate cleaning agents.
Wash eating utensils thoroughly and avoid sharing until washed.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when anticipating contact with body fluids.

Inmates may self-report medical emergencies or request non-emergency care.
Be aware of changes in an inmate's physical appearance or behavior that might indicate a need for medical, dental, or mental health intervention.
Follow procedures outlined in medical passes, if applicable.
Respond immediately to emergency medical needs, ensuring officer safety and obtaining backup.
Provide prompt attention to complaints of respiratory distress, chest pain, altered mental status, and impaired body function.
Address dietary needs and provide increased observation for inmates with conditions like seizures or dizziness.
Respect inmate privacy during healthcare encounters.

A terminally ill inmate is typically defined as someone with a fatal disease and less than six months to live.
Some facilities release terminally ill inmates or offer prison-based hospice programs.
Terminally ill inmates may require special housing arrangements due to increased risk of suicide.
Increased security checks and involvement of mental health professionals and clergy are crucial.
Family and authorized visitors may be allowed to visit terminally ill inmates under close supervision.

Monitor any changes in an inmate's medical condition that could affect the safe use of chemical restraint agents or EIDs, as documented by healthcare staff.