NCJ Number
199351
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2002 Pages: 46-48
Date Published
May 2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the use of complementary and alternative medical practices (CAM) in the delivery of corrections health care services.
Abstract
Alternative therapies are treatments or interventions that are not within the mainstream of conventional Western medicine. Complementary therapies are alternative therapies that have gained some acceptance with Western medicine. As the offender population becomes more diverse, the demand for alternative medicines may also increase. Alternative medicinal approaches could also be adopted to take care of some of the somatic symptoms relating to aging and palliative care. As community interest in alternative medicine increases, offenders that have had positive experiences with these approaches will seek continuation of this care while incarcerated. Policy guidelines regarding these practices need to be developed. Correctional health care staff from all Federal prisons in Canada were surveyed to determine their views on alternative medicine. An overview of CAM usage surveyed includes nutritional therapies, herbal or botanical medicine, physical or movement therapies, energy or life-force therapies, psychological therapies, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, Naturopathic medicine, and Aboriginal medicine. The results of the survey show that, with some variability, nutritional therapies were ranked first of all CAM therapies used in the correctional system. The majority of respondents reported an existing need for CAM from the correctional health care staff perspective (84 percent); from the inmates’ perspective (80 percent); and the perspective of health service professionals (70 percent). The better known therapies ranked higher in demand than other therapies. Most respondents expected that the overall demand for CAM would increase in the future. 2 tables, 13 notes