The development of the integrated screening system for diseases prevalent among prisoner–inmates: first admitted, transferred and discharged

Abstract

The objective of this action research was to establish integrated screening system for diseases prevalent among prisoners at firstly admitted, transferred and discharged stages. Study areas were two prisons namely Chachoengsao and Rayong Prisons. The study was conducted in 4 phases: phase 1 analyzing the existing prisoner screening system; phase 2 drafting the screening system at firstly admitted, transferred and discharged stages; phase 3 implementing the system and phase 4 evaluation. Target groups were 48 officers consisted of prison commanders, prison officers, hospitals, executives and public health officers. Quantitative data was analyzed and presented by frequency and percentage. Qualitative data was validated by triangulation technique and analyzed by content analysis. It was found that both prisons were able to screen firstly admitted prisoners and transferred in accordance with new system at 100 percent and Both of them were able to screen discharged prisoners at 100 percent but they could not immediately release prisoners due to its large capacity. Majority of executive and staffs in prisons and related hospitals accepted all aspects of the integrated screening system at very satisfied and satisfied levels respectively. As this established screening system was developed based on the prisons' setting and the participation of all related local organizations, therefore; it should be validated for its efficiency, scale up in other prisons, and evaluated further.