A Correctional Facility Academic-Practice Partnership: Implementation of a Nurse-Led COVID-19 Initiative

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Control
• Correctional Healthcare

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted U.S. correctional institutions, with high infection and mortality rates.
• Adult transition centers lack on-site healthcare, increasing vulnerability for incarcerated individuals during outbreaks.
• High-density living conditions exacerbate transmission risks in these facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a nurse-led initiative to mitigate COVID-19 transmission in adult transition centers.
• To ensure timely healthcare referrals for incarcerated individuals testing positive for COVID-19.
• To minimize the risk of severe health outcomes within this high-risk population.

Main Methods:

• Established a practice partnership between a college of nursing and two adult transition centers.
• Implemented a nurse-led initiative focused on COVID-19 prevention and management.
• Facilitated the transfer of positive cases to a state prison infirmary for specialized care.

Main Results:

• The initiative successfully identified six residents who tested positive for COVID-19.
• These individuals were transferred to a state prison infirmary for appropriate medical management.
• The intervention aimed to minimize further transmission within the transition centers.

Conclusions:

• Nurse-led initiatives are effective in managing infectious disease outbreaks in correctional settings.
• Collaborative partnerships can enhance healthcare access and outcomes for incarcerated populations.
• Prompt identification and isolation are crucial for controlling COVID-19 spread in high-density environments.