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1.
Drug Alcohol Depend ; 261: 111377, 2024 Jun 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38924958

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Offering medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in carceral settings significantly reduces overdose. However, it is unknown to what extent individuals in jails continue MOUD once they leave incarceration. We aimed to assess the relationship between in-jail MOUD and MOUD continuity in the month following release. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of linked NYC jail-based electronic health records and community Medicaid OUD treatment claims for individuals with OUD discharged from jail between 2011 and 2017. We compared receipt of MOUD within 30 days of release, among those with and without MOUD at release from jail. We tested for effect modification based on MOUD receipt prior to incarceration and assessed factors associated with treatment discontinuation. RESULTS: Of 28,298 eligible incarcerations, 52.8 % received MOUD at release. 30 % of incarcerations with MOUD at release received community-based MOUD within 30 days, compared to 7 % of incarcerations without MOUD (Risk Ratio: 2.62 (2.44-2.82)). Most (69 %) with MOUD claims prior to incarceration who received in-jail MOUD continued treatment in the community, compared to 9 % of those without prior MOUD. Those who received methadone (vs. buprenorphine), were younger, Non-Hispanic Black and with no history of MOUD were less likely to continue MOUD following release. CONCLUSIONS: MOUD maintenance in jail is strongly associated with MOUD continuity upon release. Still, findings highlight a gap in treatment continuity upon-reentry, especially among those who initiate MOUD in jail. In the wake of worsening overdose deaths and troubling disparities, improving MOUD continuity among this population remains an urgent priority.

2.
Drug Alcohol Depend ; 259: 111274, 2024 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38643529

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Non-fatal overdose is a leading predictor of subsequent fatal overdose. For individuals who are incarcerated, the risk of experiencing an overdose is highest when transitioning from a correctional setting to the community. We assessed if enrollment in jail-based medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is associated with lower risk of non-fatal opioid overdoses after jail release among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational cohort study of adults with OUD who were incarcerated in New York City jails and received MOUD or did not receive any MOUD (out-of-treatment) within the last three days before release to the community in 2011-2017. The outcome was the first non-fatal opioid overdose emergency department (ED) visit within 1 year of jail release during 2011-2017. Covariates included demographic, clinical, incarceration-related, and other characteristics. We performed multivariable cause-specific Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to compare the risk of non-fatal opioid overdose ED visits within 1 year after jail release between groups. RESULTS: MOUD group included 8660 individuals with 17,119 incarcerations; out-of-treatment group included 10,163 individuals with 14,263 incarcerations. Controlling for covariates and accounting for competing risks, in-jail MOUD was associated with lower non-fatal opioid overdose risk within 14 days after jail release (adjusted HR=0.49, 95% confidence interval=0.33-0.74). We found no significant differences 15-28, 29-56, or 57-365 days post-release. CONCLUSION: MOUD group had lower risk of non-fatal opioid overdose immediately after jail release. Wider implementation of MOUD in US jails could potentially reduce post-release overdoses, ED utilization, and associated healthcare costs.


Subject(s)
Buprenorphine , Jails , Methadone , Opiate Overdose , Opiate Substitution Treatment , Opioid-Related Disorders , Prisoners , Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Retrospective Studies , Opiate Overdose/drug therapy , Buprenorphine/therapeutic use , Methadone/therapeutic use , Opioid-Related Disorders/drug therapy , Middle Aged , New York City/epidemiology , Cohort Studies , Emergency Service, Hospital , Young Adult , Incarceration
3.
AJPM Focus ; 3(2): 100185, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38322001

ABSTRACT

Introduction: There are scant data on implementation of large-scale direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus in jails in the U.S. New York City Health + Hospitals/Correctional Health Services aimed to scale up hepatitis C virus treatment in the New York City jail system. This study describes the trends in annual hepatitis C virus treatment in New York City jails compared with those in Medicaid-funded treatment in the New York City community from 2014 to 2020. Methods: In this observational study, we extracted annual counts of direct-acting antiviral prescriptions for hepatitis C virus for those (1) in the New York City community who were covered by Medicaid and (2) those detained in New York City jails for 2014-2020. Data sources were New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene annual reports and Correctional Health Services treatment records, respectively. We used linear regression analysis to test for significant trends in annual treatment in these 2 cohorts during 2015-2019. Results: From 2015 to 2019, treatments started in New York City jails increased annually (p=0.001), whereas Medicaid-funded prescriptions in the New York City community declined since a peak in 2015 (p<0.001). In 2019, New York City jail-based treatment initiations totaled the equivalent of 10% of treatment covered by Medicaid in New York City, up from 0.3% in 2015. Conclusions: Scale up of jail-based hepatitis C virus treatment is an important strategy to offset declines observed in the community. Addressing barriers to care in jail, such as improving testing, linkage to care, and affordability of direct-acting antivirals for jail-based health services, can help sustain high levels of treatment in U.S. jails and other carceral facilities.

4.
J Subst Use Addict Treat ; 158: 209254, 2024 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38072387

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Treatment with methadone and buprenorphine medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) during incarceration may lead to better community re-entry, but evidence on these relationships have been mixed. We aimed to identify community re-entry patterns and examine the association between in-jail MOUD and a pattern of successful reentry defined by rare occurrence of reincarceration and preventable healthcare utilization. METHODS: Data came from a retrospective, observational cohort study of 6066 adults with opioid use disorder who were incarcerated in New York City jails and released to the community during 2011-14. An outcome was community re-entry patterns identified by sequence analysis of 3-year post-release reincarceration, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. An exposure was receipt of in-jail MOUD versus out-of-treatment (42 % vs. 58 %) for the last 3 days before discharge. The study accounted for differences in baseline demographic, clinical, behavioral, housing, and criminal legal characteristics between in-jail MOUD and out-of-treatment groups via propensity score matching. RESULTS: This study identified five re-entry patterns: stability (64 %), hospitalization (23 %), delayed reincarceration (7 %), immediate reincarceration (4 %), and continuous incarceration (2 %). After addressing confounding, 64 % and 57 % followed the stability pattern among MOUD and out-of-treatment groups who were released from jail in 2011, respectively. In 2012-14, the prevalence of following the stability pattern increased year-by-year while a consistently higher prevalence was observed among those with in-jail MOUD. CONCLUSIONS: Sequence analysis helped define post-release stability based on health and criminal legal system involvement. Receipt of in-jail MOUD was associated with a marker of successful community re-entry.


Subject(s)
Jails , Opioid-Related Disorders , Adult , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Opioid-Related Disorders/drug therapy , Methadone/therapeutic use , Sequence Analysis
5.
Public Health Rep ; 136(3): 375-383, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33673760

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: People detained in correctional facilities are at high risk for infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We described the epidemiology of the COVID-19 outbreak in a large urban jail system, including signs and symptoms at time of testing and risk factors for hospitalization. METHODS: This retrospective observational cohort study included all patients aged ≥18 years who were tested for COVID-19 during March 11-April 28, 2020, while in custody in the New York City jail system (N = 978). We described demographic characteristics and signs and symptoms at the time of testing and performed Cox regression analysis to identify factors associated with hospitalization among those with a positive test result. RESULTS: Of 978 people tested for COVID-19, 568 received a positive test result. Among symptomatic patients, the most common symptoms among those who received a positive test result were cough (n = 293 of 510, 57%) and objective fever (n = 288 of 510, 56%). Of 257 asymptomatic patients who were tested, 58 (23%) received a positive test result. Forty-five (8%) people who received a positive test result were hospitalized for COVID-19. Older age (aged ≥55 vs 18-34) (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 13.41; 95% CI, 3.80-47.33) and diabetes mellitus (aHR = 1.99; 95% CI, 1.00-3.95) were significantly associated with hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of people tested in New York City jails received a positive test result for COVID-19, including a large proportion of people tested while asymptomatic. During periods of ongoing transmission, asymptomatic screening should complement symptom-driven COVID-19 testing in correctional facilities. Older patients and people with diabetes mellitus should be closely monitored after COVID-19 diagnosis because of their increased risk for hospitalization.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Testing/statistics & numerical data , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19/epidemiology , Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data , Jails , SARS-CoV-2 , Adult , Cohort Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , New York City/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors
6.
EClinicalMedicine ; 27: 100567, 2020 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33150329

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: High patient turnover presents challenges and opportunity to provide hepatitis C virus (HCV) care in US jails (remand facilities). This study describes the HCV care cascade in the New York City (NYC) jail system during the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment era. METHODS: Patients admitted to the NYC jail system from January 2014 through December 2017 were included in this retrospective cohort analysis. We describe rates of screening, diagnosis, linkage to jail-based care, and treatment among the overall cohort, and among subgroups with long jail stays (≥120 days) or frequent stays (≥10 admissions). The study protocol was approved by a third-party institutional review board (BRANY, Lake Success, NY). FINDINGS: Among the 121,371 patients in our analysis, HCV screening was performed in 40,219 (33%), 4665 (12%) of whom were viremic, 1813 (39%) seen by an HCV clinician in jail, and 248 (5% of viremic patients) started on treatment in jail. Having a long stay (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 8·11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6·98, 9·42) or frequent stays (aRR 1·51, 95% CI 1·04, 2·18) were significantly associated with being seen by an HCV clinician. Patients with long stays had a higher rate of treatment (14% of viremic patients). Sustained virologic response at 12 weeks was achieved in 147/164 (90%) of patients with available virologic data. INTERPRETATION: Jail health systems can reach large numbers of HCV-infected individuals. The high burden of HCV argues for universal screening in jail settings. Length of stay was strongly associated with being seen by an HCV clinician in jail. Treatment is feasible among those with longer lengths of stay. FUNDING: None.

7.
Open Forum Infect Dis ; 7(7): ofaa263, 2020 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33123613

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The population detained in the New York City (NYC) jail system bears a high burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Challenges to scaling up treatment include short and unpredictable lengths of stay. We report on the clinical outcomes of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment delivered by NYC Health + Hospitals/Correctional Health Services in NYC jails from 2014 to 2017. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational cohort study of HCV patients with detectable HCV ribonucleic acid treated with DAA therapy while in NYC jails. Some patients initiated treatment in jail, whereas others initiated treatment in the community and were later incarcerated. Our primary outcome was sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12). RESULTS: There were 269 patients included in our cohort, with 181 (67%) initiating treatment in jail and 88 (33%) continuing treatment started in the community. The SVR12 virologic outcome data were available for 195 (72%) individuals. Of these, 172 (88%) achieved SVR12. Patients who completed treatment in jail were more likely to achieve SVR12 relative to those who were released on treatment (adjusted risk ratio, 2.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-6.34). Of those who achieved SVR12, 114 (66%) had a subsequent viral load checked. We detected recurrent viremia in 18 (16%) of these individuals, which corresponded to 10.6 cases per 100 person-years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis C virus treatment with DAA therapy is effective in a jail environment. Future work should address challenges related to discharging patients while they are on treatment, loss to follow-up, and a high incidence of probable reinfection.

8.
Med Care ; 55(12): 1017-1022, 2017 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28945674

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sex-trafficked persons experience significant trauma while exploited, resulting in complex health issues and barriers to health care. Incorporating survivor perspectives is critical in optimizing health care delivery for this population. OBJECTIVES: We interviewed sex-trafficking survivors regarding their experiences with trauma while being trafficked and elicited advice about health care delivery. RESEARCH DESIGN: Qualitative interviews were conducted in New York City's Rikers Island jail from July to September 2015. SUBJECTS: In total, 21 English-speaking women who had experienced sex trafficking were the subjects of the study. MEASURES: Interview domains included: interpersonal violence, behavioral health, and health care delivery advice. RESULTS: Interviewees described experiencing severe and chronic trauma perpetrated by traffickers and sex buyers. Substance use was the primary method of coping with trauma. With regard to mental health, interviewees noted diagnoses of depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder, low self-esteem, and challenges in intimate relationships. Health care delivery themes included approaches to discussing trafficking in health care settings, concerns regarding sexual assault examinations, and suggestions for improving direct-services and prevention programming. CONCLUSIONS: With this perspective into the complex intersection of trauma and behavioral health that sex-trafficked women can experience, health care providers can better understand the context and recommendations regarding trauma-informed care practices for this population. Our results also offer several avenues for future studies with regard to discussing trafficking in clinical settings and an opportunity for stakeholders to incorporate survivor-based input to improve health care for this population.


Subject(s)
Human Trafficking/psychology , Prisoners/psychology , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/psychology , Survivors/psychology , Adult , Female , Humans , Life Change Events , Mental Health , Prisons , Women's Health
9.
Open Forum Infect Dis ; 4(3): ofx142, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28852680

ABSTRACT

Jails represent a critical component of the public health response to HCV elimination. We report on outcomes of 104 patients receiving HCV treatment from January 1, 2014 to June 30, 2016 in a large urban jail setting. Our data demonstrate that treatment in jails is feasible, but many barriers remain.

10.
J Health Care Poor Underserved ; 28(3): 1042-1049, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28804076

ABSTRACT

Because there is no standard reporting of injuries in jails and prisons, the national burden of head trauma during incarceration is unclear. We report on a case of repeated head trauma in the New York City (NYC) jail system, data on the incidence of head trauma and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), and compare those findings with national estimates. The case report revealed 64 injurious events over two years, 44% resulting in a head injury and 25% resulting in emergency hospitalization. During the 42 months of this analysis, 10,286 incidents of head trauma occurred in the NYC jail system. Mild TBI occurred in 1,507 of these instances. The rate of head trauma and mTBI was 269.0 and 39.4 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. The lack of reporting head trauma in correctional settings means that national prevalence estimates of these critical health outcomes miss the vulnerable cohort of incarcerated individuals.


Subject(s)
Brain Injuries, Traumatic/epidemiology , Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data , Prisons/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Brain Concussion/epidemiology , Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Incidence , Male , New York City/epidemiology , Prevalence , Self-Injurious Behavior/epidemiology , United States/epidemiology , Young Adult
11.
J Urban Health ; 94(3): 408-416, 2017 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28116589

ABSTRACT

While sex trafficking in the USA is a significant medical and public health issue, there is sparse data on the healthcare needs of and access for this population. This study was designed to identify experiences of domestically sex-trafficked women regarding healthcare access, reproductive health, and infectious diseases while trafficked. Trafficking survivors incarcerated in New York City's Rikers Island women's jail participated in audio-recorded interviews between July and September 2015. Recordings were transcribed, and a content analysis was completed to identify health-related themes. Twenty-one women ranging from 19 to 60 years old were included in this study. Reasons for accessing care included sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV testing, unintended pregnancies, traumas, and chronic diseases. Emergency departments, Planned Parenthoods, and jails were common care sites. Traffickers and substance use impeded care and access to follow-up. Unintended pregnancy and STIs resulted in trafficker-perpetrated violence. Condoms, the most common form of contraception and HIV prevention, were inconsistently negotiated due to financial and violent consequences. These findings demonstrate that domestic sex trafficking survivors experienced chronic and acute health issues while trafficked and multiple barriers to care. Substance use and financial vulnerabilities furthered unintended pregnancy and infection risk. These findings can inform future research regarding healthcare access and practices for domestically trafficked women.


Subject(s)
Health Services Accessibility/statistics & numerical data , Human Trafficking/statistics & numerical data , Prisoners/statistics & numerical data , Women's Health/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Female , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Humans , Middle Aged , New York City/epidemiology , Qualitative Research , Young Adult
12.
J Correct Health Care ; 23(1): 83-87, 2017 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28040993

ABSTRACT

The period immediately after release from prison or jail carries increased mortality risk. This study sought to better understand postrelease death by matching electronic health records from those incarcerated in New York City jails between 2011 and 2012 with vital statistics records. The in-jail and 6-week postrelease mortality rates were estimated to be 1.39 and 5.89 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. Of 59 deaths occurring within 6 weeks of release from jail, the causes included opioid overdose (37.3%), other drugs (8.5%), chronic disease (25.4%), assaultive trauma (20.3%), and other trauma (8.5%). These data confirm that overdose death accounts for the most frequent cause of postrelease death. Matching between correctional health systems and vital statistics can inform quality improvement efforts in jail health care delivery.


Subject(s)
Mortality/trends , Prisoners/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Cause of Death , Electronic Health Records , Female , Humans , Male , New York City/epidemiology , Prisons , Risk Factors , Vital Statistics
13.
Open Forum Infect Dis ; 4(3): ofx135, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32695839

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are a common problem in jails in the United States. This study aimed to identify factors associated with purulent SSTIs in the New York City jail system. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study of purulent SSTIs at the New York City jail. Cases were matched to controls by visit date to the jail's urgent care clinic. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: From April 2011 to April 2015, 1010 cases of SSTIs were identified and matched to 1010 controls. In multivariable analyses, report upon entry to jail of current injection drug use (odds ratio [OR], 2.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.77-4.31), current snorting of drugs (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.12-2.00), current heroin use (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.08-2.17), current cocaine use (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.18-2.65), and antibiotic use within the previous 6 months (OR, 4.05; 95% CI, 2.98-5.49) were significantly associated with SSTI diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Skin and soft tissue infections were strongly associated with a history of drug use at jail entry. Targeting intravenous drug use may be a preventive strategy for SSTIs in this population. Strategies such as harm reduction programs may be investigated.

14.
Public Health Rep ; 132(1): 41-47, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28005477

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to understand predictors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody positivity in a large urban jail system in New York City. METHODS: We examined demographic characteristics, risk behaviors, and HCV antibody prevalence among 10 790 jail inmates aged 16 to 86 who were screened from June 13, 2013, to June 13, 2014, based on birth cohort or conventional high-risk criteria. We used logistic regression analysis to determine predictors of HCV antibody positivity. RESULTS: Of the 10 790 inmates screened, 2221 (20.6%) were HCV antibody positive. In the multivariate analysis, HCV antibody positivity was associated most strongly with injection drug use (IDU; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 35.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 28.5-43.0). Women were more likely than men to be infected with HCV (aOR = 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.5). Compared with non-Hispanic black people, Hispanic (aOR = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.8-2.4) and non-Hispanic white (aOR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-2.1) people were more likely to be infected with HCV. Non-IDU, recidivism, HIV infection, homelessness, mental illness, and lower education level were all significantly associated with HCV infection. The prevalence rate of HCV infection among a subset of inmates born after 1965 who denied IDU and were not infected with HIV was 5.6% (198 of 3529). Predictors of HCV infection among this group included non-IDU as well as being non-Hispanic white, Hispanic, recidivist, and homeless. CONCLUSION: These data reveal differences in HCV infection by sex, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomics in a large jail population, suggesting that a focused public health intervention is required and that universal screening may be warranted. Further sensitivity and cost-benefit analyses are needed to make this determination.


Subject(s)
Hepacivirus/isolation & purification , Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood , Hepatitis C/epidemiology , Prisoners , Adult , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , New York City/epidemiology , Odds Ratio , Prevalence , Prisons , Risk-Taking , Substance Abuse, Intravenous/epidemiology
15.
J Correct Health Care ; 22(4): 383-392, 2016 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27742860

ABSTRACT

This article reviewed a program evaluation conducted among correctional health care staff in New York City (NYC) using a 68-question electronic survey to assess satisfaction, attitudes, and beliefs in relation to ethics and burnout of health care employees in NYC jails. Descriptive statistics were tabulated and reviewed, and further assessment of burnout and ethics was performed through group sessions with participants. This evaluation has led to changes in agency policies and procedures and an emphasis on the human rights issue of the dual loyalty challenges that the security setting places on the overall mission to care for patients.


Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , Prisons , Humans , Job Satisfaction , New York City , Personal Satisfaction , Surveys and Questionnaires
16.
Am J Public Health ; 106(7): 1276-7, 2016 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27196656

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To examine uptake of screening for all individuals born between 1945 and 1965 (referred to by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the "birth cohort") and outline preliminary HCV prevalence data in the New York City jail system. METHODS: Data were extracted from electronic health records for all individuals screened for HCV between June 13, 2013, and June 13, 2014, in New York City jails. We used the Abbott EIA 2.0 HCV antibody assay for testing. RESULTS: In the year of study, 56 590 individuals were incarcerated; 15.1% were born between 1945 and 1965, and 84.6% were born after 1965. HCV screening was completed for 64.1% of the birth cohort and for 11.1% born after 1965, with 55.1% and 43.8% of cases found in these groups, respectively. The overall seropositivity rate was 20.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Birth cohort screening in a large jail system identified many HCV cases, but HCV infection was common among younger age groups. PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS: Universal screening may be warranted pending further study including cost-effectiveness analyses.


Subject(s)
Hepatitis C/epidemiology , Mass Screening/statistics & numerical data , Prisoners/statistics & numerical data , Prisons/statistics & numerical data , Age Distribution , Aged , Electronic Health Records , Female , Hepatitis C Antibodies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , New York City/epidemiology , Prevalence , Seroepidemiologic Studies
17.
Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol ; 14(9): 1356-60, 2016 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27108792

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND & AIMS: National hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening guidelines recommended 1-time testing of persons born between 1945 and 1965. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study to compare care milestones achieved by HCV-infected patients identified by birth cohort versus risk-based screens. RESULTS: We determined the proportions of patients newly identified with HCV infection who met care milestones (viral load, referral to and evaluation by a specialist, offer of treatment, initiation of treatment, and sustained viral response) and the time it took to reach them. We found no differences in HCV care milestones for patients identified via birth cohort testing versus risk-based screening. Overall, only 43% of HCV antibody-positive patients were referred to care, and less than 4% started treatment. The time to each care milestone was lengthy and varied greatly; treatment was initiated in a median of 308 days. CONCLUSIONS: Although birth cohort testing will likely increase identification of patients with HCV infection, it does not seem to increase the number of patients that meet management milestones. New methods are needed to increase access to care and establish efficient models of health care delivery.


Subject(s)
Disease Management , Health Services Research , Hepatitis C/diagnosis , Hepatitis C/drug therapy , Mass Screening/methods , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies
18.
Am J Public Health ; 105(11): 2262-8, 2015 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26378829

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We used "hot spotting" to characterize the persons most frequently admitted to the New York City jail system in 2013. METHODS: We used our Correctional Health Services electronic health record to identify 800 patients admitted in 2013 who returned most since November 2008. We compared them to a randomly selected control group of 800 others admitted in 2013, by using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations, including data through December 2014. RESULTS: The frequently incarcerated individuals had a median of 21 incarcerations (median duration 11 days), representing 18 713 admissions and $129 million in custody and health costs versus $38 million for the controls. The frequently incarcerated were significantly older (42 vs 35 years), and more likely to have serious mental illness (19% vs 8.5%) and homelessness (51.5% vs 14.7%) in their record. Significant substance use was highly prevalent (96.9% vs 55.6%). Most top criminal charges (88.7%) for the frequently incarcerated were misdemeanors; assault charges were less common (2.8% vs 10.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Frequently incarcerated persons have chronic mental health and substance use problems, their charges are generally minor, and incarceration is costly. Tailored supportive housing is likely to be less costly and improve outcomes.


Subject(s)
Criminals/statistics & numerical data , Ill-Housed Persons/statistics & numerical data , Mental Disorders/epidemiology , Prisons/statistics & numerical data , Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiology , Age Factors , Chronic Disease , Crime/statistics & numerical data , Female , Health Expenditures , Humans , Male , New York City , Prisoners , Racial Groups
19.
Am J Public Health ; 105(9): 1911-6, 2015 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26180985

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To better understand jail mental health services entry, we analyzed diagnosis timing relative to solitary confinement, nature of diagnosis, age, and race/ethnicity. METHODS: We analyzed 2011 to 2013 medical records on 45,189 New York City jail first-time admissions. RESULTS: Of this cohort, 21.2% were aged 21 years or younger, 46.0% were Hispanic, 40.6% were non-Hispanic Black, 8.8% were non-Hispanic White, and 3.9% experienced solitary confinement. Overall, 14.8% received a mental health diagnosis, which was associated with longer average jail stays (120 vs 48 days), higher rates of solitary confinement (13.1% vs 3.9%), and injury (25.4% vs 7.1%). Individuals aged 21 years or younger were less likely than older individuals to receive a mental health diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.80, 0.93; P < .05) and more likely to experience solitary confinement (OR = 4.99; 95% CI = 4.43, 5.61; P < .05). Blacks and Hispanics were less likely than Whites to enter the mental health service (OR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.52, 0.63; and OR = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.44, 0.53; respectively; P < .05), but more likely to experience solitary confinement (OR = 2.52; 95% CI = 1.88, 3.83; and OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.23, 2.22; respectively; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: More consideration is needed of race/ethnicity and age in understanding and addressing the punishment and treatment balance in jails.


Subject(s)
Healthcare Disparities , Mental Disorders/diagnosis , Mental Disorders/therapy , Prisons , Referral and Consultation/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Demography , Female , Humans , Male , Mental Disorders/epidemiology , Mental Disorders/ethnology , New York City/epidemiology
20.
Health Hum Rights ; 17(1): E124-35, 2015 Jun 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26204577

ABSTRACT

Dual loyalty is an omnipresent feature of correctional health. As part of a human rights quality improvement committee, and utilizing the unique advantage of a fully integrated electronic health record system, we undertook an assessment of dual loyalty in the New York City jail system. The evaluation revealed significant concerns about the extent to which the mental health service is involved in assessments that are part of the punishment process of the security apparatus. As a result, dual loyalty training was developed and delivered to all types of health staff in the jail system via anonymous survey. Six clinical scenarios were presented in this training and staff members were asked to indicate whether they had encountered similar circumstances and how they would respond. Staff responses to the survey raised concerns about the frequency with which they are pressured or asked to put aside their primary goal of patient care for the interests of the security mission. The online training and follow-up small group sessions have revealed widespread support for more training on dual loyalty.


Subject(s)
Delivery of Health Care , Health Personnel/education , Human Rights , Prisoners , Electronic Health Records , Humans , New York City , Prisons , Security Measures , Workforce
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