NCJ Number
13152
Date Published
1974
Length
88 pages
Annotation
DESCRIPTION AND EVALUATION OF AN EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM, RUN IN THE SUMMER OF 1973, DESIGNED TO INTRODUCE MEDICAL STUDENTS TO PROBLEMS AND CONCERNS OF PRISON HEALTH CARE.
Abstract
PRISON HEALTH CARE, PARTICULARLY AS IT RELATES TO THE REHABILITATION OF THE WHOLE PERSON, IS AN AREA OF GREAT CONCERN TO CORRECTION ADMINISTRATORS. THIS PROGRAM PROVIDED SEVEN MEDICAL STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH PRISON HEALTH PROBLEMS AS WELL AS TO PRACTICE THEIR MEDICAL SKILL. THE BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM INCLUDED FIVE SERVICE ROTATIONS (GENERAL MEDICINE, PSYCHIATRY, SURGERY, X-RAY, AND LABORATORY) PLUS VISITS TO OUTLYING CORRECTIONAL UNIT DISPENSARIES AND CLINICS AND TO LOCAL PHYSICIANS' OFFICES. STUDENTS ALSO PARTICIPATED IN NUMEROUS INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS SUCH AS TEACHING CORRECTIONAL HOSPITAL STEWARDS A FIRST AID COURSE AND ASSISTING IN THE INVESTIGATION OF MEDICAL RESEARCH BEING CONDUCTED USING INMATES AS HUMAN SUBJECTS. OPINION QUESTIONNAIRES ADMINISTERED TO BOTH EXTERNS AND MONITORS REVEALED FAVORABLE REACTION TO THE GOALS OF THE MEDICAL STUDENTS AND THE CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS, AND INDICATED THE PROGRAM'S POTENTIAL FOR ATTRACTING NEW PROFESSIONALS TO PRISON HEALTH CARE. SPECIFIC MODIFICATIONS TO THE PROGRAM ARE RECOMMENDED.