A review of report by Sara et al. (2012). Influenza Outbreaks at Two Correctional Facilities — Maine. Weekly, 61(13), 229-232.
This report investigated the emergence of influenza in a correctional surrounding in Maine which gave rise to severe cases of illness that led to one death, one admission at intensive care unit, and several other cases of influenza-like illness in staff members and inmates. Several reports were raised about the shortcomings of Correctional Medical Services in providing quality healthcare services to inmates and staff members. This report suggested certain measures to be implemented by correctional facilities in influenza control.
The Maine Center for Disease Control (2011) gave reports of a death case and an acute illness; both cases were connected with influenza. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) in addition, reported some cases of illnesses like influenza in inmates and staff members in two correctional facilities (facility A and facility B). CDC however, lacked basic resources and staff to effectively check the prevalence of these illnesses. The reported prevalence of multiple illnesses prompted the collaboration of the Maine Department of Corrections (DOC), Correctional Medical Services (CMS), and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC). The Maine DOC, CMS, and Maine CDC in collaboration carried out screenings in both inmates and staff members of both correctional facilities. Results from these screenings enhanced proper treatment and preventive measures against influenza.
Data were obtained from two correctional facilities (A and B) situated on distinct sites and operated by a single organizational structure. The collected data was obtained from an epidemiologic study on correctional facilities concerning the influenza eruption observed in the correctional facilities. The Correctional Medical Services and the Maine Department of Corrections assisted by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention conducted epidemiologic research to collect the data. The data was however reported by Sara et al., (2012). Collected data was sourced from exploratory research and relevant scholarly journals. The data is quantitative.
The results demonstrated that partnership between correctional principals and public healthcare is important to subdue the challenges in controlling influenza outbreaks in correctional settings. The report also established that Correctional Medical Services did not have adequate resources and staff strength to tackle the influenza outbreak.
In the course of this report, several recommendations were made as regards influenza control. The report pointed out that correctional facilities should;
- Provide influenza vaccination to every staff member and inmate in the jails and prisons.
- Carry out enlightenment programs on respiratory etiquette and other health-related issues.
- Histories of vaccination of staff members and inmates should be documented.
Data collected in the report can be of relevance to policy development and program planning. Policy developers and program planners can learn from the report that collaboration with public healthcare can tremendously help in achieving medical goals. They can also see from the report that the provision of vaccines to its elements or members is crucial in preventing possible illnesses.
The results of the report conform to several other related types of research and share the same argument.
The study employed a good methodology in ascertaining the level of the outbreak in both facilities. The report, however, was restricted to influenza-like illnesses; it could have covered a wider range of illnesses that could breakout in correctional settings. The research is well exploratory; the findings of this report provide clear insight into the poor healthcare facility and resources of the CMS and the importance of collaboration between public health care and correctional principals. However, several limitations must be looked at in the interpretation of study results.
References
Center for Disease Control. (2011). Using antiviral medications to control influenza outbreaks in institutions. Web.
Sara R., Susan M., Stephen S., Carrie R., Peter S., & Joseph S. (2012). Influenza Outbreaks at Two Correctional Facilities — Maine. Weekly, 61(13), 229-232.