Patient Engagement in Women Offenders: An Intervention for Engaging Women in Healthcare Upon Release from Incarceration

Abstract

Background: Women recently released from correctional facilities are among the most vulnerable in our society. They are mostly poor and undereducated, with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. They may also be managing a chronic mental or physical health problem which means they face additional demands beyond the criminal justice system. Successful self-management requires engagement, access to services, health education, stress management strategies, and interpersonal skills. Interventions focusing on these issues may offer an innovative approach to improving self-care, which may result in more individuals meeting their health goals and successfully re-integrating into the community. Description: Based on data from two previous studies, an intervention model was designed that includes intensive case management, motivational interviewing, and interpersonal therapy. Individual sessions are provided over 8-weeks, and include a structured workbook format. The primary outcomes measures are: engagement, self-efficacy, depression/anxiety symptoms, and adherence to treatment regimens. This presentation will also provide preliminary results from a pilot study of the intervention with women recently released from jail. Lessons Learned: The program shows promise for improving healthcare outcomes for women. Release and re-entry goals are addressed; however, tailoring for specific communities (resources, incarceration patterns, etc) is required. Interventions should be led by nurses yet integrated into existing re-entry programs, as this multi-disciplinary approach is the most feasible and has shown to be most effective. Recommendations: The model addresses many of the needs of women offenders and improvements in targeted outcomes may have an impact on long term recidivism and substance use.