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Using Telehealth for Behavioral Health in the Criminal Justice System

NCJ Number
255459
Date Published
September 2020
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article explains how the use of telehealth - the interactive electronic exchange of information for diagnosis, treatment, support, or care management - can be a useful component for grantees of the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP), which focuses on a collaborative intervention strategy to address substance abuse.
Abstract
The article notes that when implemented successfully, telehealth can improve access to care under recent social distancing requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also describes the types of telehealth services that can address impediments that prevent in-person interaction with treatment providers. The types of telehealth modes described are live video; the electronic transmission of photos and x-rays; the transmission of data from monitoring devices; and the use of cell phone apps that provide health-related information. Descriptions of key steps to telehealth readiness address the selection of one or more types of telehealth services to be offered; the identification of which policies and procedures must be changed; preparation of the staff involved in the program; the preparation of patients; and the analysis of costs and benefits. 17 references

Grant Number(s)
2017&#8211
AR&#8211
BX&#8211
K003
Sponsoring Agency
Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
Address

999 N. Capitol St. NE, Washington, DC 20531, United States

Corporate Author
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP)
Sale Source
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP)
Publication Format
Document
Document (Online)
Publication Type
Report (Technical Assistance)
Report (Grant Sponsored)
Program/Project Description
Instructional Material (Programmed)
Language
English
Country
United States of America