Availability and use of healthcare resources in prisons according to the transference model: A comparative study in Spain

OBJECTIVE: In most European countries, correctional healthcare provision is under strain or in the process of change regarding its management model and the implications that such modifications may entail for the improvement of inmates’ health. This paper compares the functioning and the results of health management in a facility whose healthcare service is integrated within an autonomic health system and others which depend on the department of corrections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study where the study unit is the facility itself. From the data collected from the record of Monthly Health Statistics of Penitentiary Institutions we have constructed a series of indicators according to the recommendations of the National Health System. RESULTS: The physician to nurse ratio per inmate is higher in the transferred facility. Only the transferred establishment has telemedicine resources. Attendance to primary health services is higher that in all non-transferred establishments, while the mean attendance to specialized consultation in the transferred facility doubles that of the remaining centers. DISCUSSION: We have observed greater access to specialized care in the correctional facility managed by the community health system when compared to that of the facilities managed by Penitentiary Institutions. This statement is based on a series of effectivity indicators and results that have provided significantly improved outcome in the transferred facility.