Report on a national survey of correctional health facilities: A needs assessment of health issues

A survey comprised of twenty correctional health issues and twelve statements regarding the state of knowledge, training, and resources related to legal and ethical issues was mailed to medical directors at prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities across the country. The responses were tabulated and analyzed based upon a number of independent as well as associated variables. The top issues identified were: confidentiality of medical information, standards of care, mental disorders and disabilities, and substance abuse and treatment. These findings, together with the degree of frustration, uncertainty, and ambiguity evidenced by the respondents' comments provide us with insight into the direction that subsequent research should take.