#RIDOC CAREERS PROFESSIONAL#

Interviews and a web-based surveys were used to collect data.

Data was collected through a mixed methods approach designed to obtain perspectives about the SDPS health care system from individuals representing the numerous job levels and roles that exist within the health care continuum. To understand medical and pharmaceutical practices in SDPS, three South Dakota Adult prison facilities were included in the exploratory study. Consequently, a short research study asked: To what extent is there potential for correctional facilities to serve as experiential practice sites for pharmacy students? The research objective was to identify pharmaceutical practices within South Dakota correctional system and compare those practices to the guidelines established by the Association of American College of Pharmacy’s as optimal for student training. However, to date, the correctional facility-experiential site remains an untapped opportunity, at least in a complete, coordinated, pharmaceutical care, patient management framework.

#RIDOC CAREERS PROFESSIONAL#

The occasional collaboration or experiential opportunity, like Kingston’s early model, has occurred between health professional schools and correctional facilities. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists recommends that students receive preceptorship opportunities within the correctional system. The correctional facility is such a place.

Such preparation requires that students have access to practice experiences in underserved environments where pharmacy practice, cultural competence and knowledge of population health are experienced simultaneously. Pharmacists must be prepared to care for populations where health disparities are greatest and their services can best impact public health needs. Department of Justice (2016) Review United States In the United States, 19% of the prison population were aged 50 and older in 2013, which was a 25% increase since 2009 A reduction in inpatient hospital visits would have a large potential impact on the overall health care costs of a correctional institution Bingham (2012) Retrospective study. Simpson (2005) Personal view United Kingdom Pharmacists are part of multidisciplinary team Health care needs of prison population are complex Attempting to establish same level of care as in the community Prisoners have possession of their medications and pharmacist-led clinics have enhanced understanding of inmate medications Choudhry (2014) Personal view United Kingdom Prison pharmacy changing to provide same level of care as in community Inmates having complex and challenging health conditions Abuse of medication is one of the biggest challenges Pharmacists can ensure appropriate prescribing and use of medications subject to abuse Marcoux (2012) Research article United States Pharmacy management program developed in Rhode Island to improve utilization of medication and reduce cost through methods such as staff education and waste reduction Led to savings of almost $5 million between 2003Wick (2009 Research article United States Elderly inmates are the fastest growing subset of prisoners Pharmacists may expand their practice to serve this population to provide continuity of care, prevent medication errors, and assist with nonadherence U.S.

Overall, significant differences currently exist within pharmacy practice in correctional facilities.

Ridoc careers