Screening for Public Purpose: Promoting an Evidence-based Approach to Screening of Inmates to Improve Public Health

Bridging the gap between health and justice

“…Health screening at admission to a correctional facility and as a routine part of correctional primary care both protects the facility’s population and staff and delivers appropriate prevention to otherwise underserved individuals (Lee et al 2007). In addition, health screening at admission has the ability to further contribute to public safety, because individual inmates are assessed for illnesses and their risk of infecting others upon release.…”

“…In addition, health screening at admission has the ability to further contribute to public safety, because individual inmates are assessed for illnesses and their risk of infecting others upon release. Consequently, it is of great importance to use the period of incarceration “to impact public health using evidence-based screening of high-risk individuals who do not otherwise have access to routine preventive care” (Lee et al 2007, p. 249). Lee and his colleagues further argue that “effective screening in jails and prisons is generally a cost-effective approach to improving population health.”…”

“…This is in addition to identifying mental health problems as well as static and dynamic factors that may affect future criminality. Accurate detection of disease during the early stages of admission can meaningfully change the course of disease and reduce the risk of infection and transmission to criminal justice practitioners and the community, and thus will make early screening meaningful (Lee et al 2007). Early screening and assessment of needs and risks is also of great importance for the reduction of mortality incidents associated with criminal justice agencies and actions.…”

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer in Criminal Justice Settings

“…Their latest recommendations, published in 2003, suggest screening within 3 years of the onset of sexual activity or age 21 (whichever comes first) and a screening interval of every 3 years. 30 Correctional-specific guidelines for providing Pap tests should at least meet guidelines set forth for the general public, although some individuals, correctional systems, and organizations suggest policies that exceed USPSTF guidelines. For instance, Lee et al suggested that ''cervical cancer screening via Pap testing or HPV genetic testing should be offered to all females with an intact cervix at facility admission and then annually.''…”

“…For instance, Lee et al suggested that ''cervical cancer screening via Pap testing or HPV genetic testing should be offered to all females with an intact cervix at facility admission and then annually.'' 30 The Federal Bureau of Prisons has also recommended that all females aged £ 30 have a Pap test at the intake physical and annually until the age of 31. For women aged 31-65 with previously negative Pap tests, they recommend a Pap test at the intake physical and every 3 years.…”