Quality and Cost of Care for Geriatric Patients in Prison

• In Event: Innovations in Correctional Healthcare for the Aging and Serious and Chronically Ill in Prison

Abstract

The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Vera Institute of Justice conducted a national survey of state prison systems to assess the costs of healthcare in prison under different organizational and funding models, as well as how and whether state governments monitor the quality of healthcare services delivered in prison facilities. This presentation will report findings from the survey relevant to monitoring the costs and quality of care for geriatric patients in prison settings during incarceration. For example, this presentation will provide an overview of how state prison systems screen for neurodegenerative diseases, physical disabilities, and other ailments that contribute to morbidity and mortality among older patients; a summary of the types of metrics state systems use to monitor patient outcomes and quality of care; and a portrait of state programs to promote continuity of care for geriatric patients at reentry.

Authors

• David Cloud, Vera Institute of Justice

• Matt McKillop, The Pew Charitable Trusts