Asistencial and therapeutic continuity after release from prison: an urgent problem that requires solutions. The model applied in catalonian prisons

Abstract

ABSTRACT Deficits in health after being released are common, even with a higher risk of death. In these cases, the main cause of death is the use of heroin and other opioids, but there are more causes of death and most are potentially preventable. The most vulnerable groups to the increase of post-release morbidity and mortality are the drug users, the mentally ill and the foreign inmates from countries with few economic resources. It is urgent to implement interventions that optimize access to health devices after the prison release, avoid interruptions in the continuity of care and treatment prescribed in prison and reduce morbidity and mortality. To achieve this, it is necessary to coordinate the effective form of care inside and outside the prison and apply support measures. We present the project implemented in the prisons of Catalonia, which the “nurse of liaison” has used as a key figure in the process. We also present the internal and external procedure used to facilitate the transfer of sanitary and therapeutic information, to link released patients to health devices and to ensure that they are received in a timely and appropriate manner.