NCJ Number
73028
Date Published
1978
Length
58 pages
Annotation
This training and reference manual is to be used with a 2-day course designed to prepare nonmedical personnel to perform health screening and establish basic screening forms and procedures for local jails.
Abstract
The purpose of receiving screening is to conduct a general health survey for each inmate at the time of admittance to the jail, so as to determine if the prisoner has any major physical or psychological problems and to identify those persons whose health problems would be aggravated by immediate incarceration. This screening is for the protection of the prisoner, the jail population, and the staff. The three things necessary to ensure adequate health screening at reception are the proper forms and procedures, trained screening personnel, and appropriate equipment and outside resources. After the health screening has been completed, the jail has several options. The course and the training manual have been designed to aid in the selection of options. Following a presentation of the general principles for receiving health screening, the construction of receiving screening forms is discussed. Followup questions for inmates with particular health problems are listed. Special attention is given to drug and alcohol use. Medical concerns unique to women are also reviewed. Symptoms that may be observed at screening that indicate physical and psychological problems are discussed. Procedures for taking the pulse, temperature, and recording height and weight are indicated, along with the use of the urine dipstick for measuring sugar in the urine.