NCJ Number
70032
Date Published
1979
Length
121 pages
Annotation
A Manual to facilitate the dissemination of current medical knowledge to correctional health care personnel and to assist in applying information to programs within prisons is presented.
Abstract
The work is designed to serve as a general guide for program development in the correctional setting. It proposes specific program recommendations and decisionmaking guidelines for administrators. A practical approach is employed, based upon actual experiences in the field of corrections. Topics include health education in corrections, initiating planning, program development strategies, program implementation, and program evaluation. Health education is viewed as a vehicle to active participation in promoting and maintaining a healthful life. And the prison setting represents an environment in great need of such a program. Initial planning steps include clarifying the problem, analyzing the institutinal setting, setting goals, and establishing the management structure. The program development process involves designing a plan of action, selecting and designing methods, and preparing program materials. The two primary tasks of program implementation are clarifying implementation activities and establishing control mechanisms. The final step, program evaluation, requires close attention to selection of the most appropriate evaluation instruments, brevity of instruments, concise instructions, and confidentiality. Data obtained from survey instruments must be systematically tabulated, analyzed, and disseminated to decisionmakers. The final evaluation report should include a program summary, overview and context of the program, program description, evaluation methods, and evaluation findings. Sample worksheets, 21 references, and appendixes presenting sample evaluation forms and an outline of health care topics are included.