Characteristics of Prison Hospice Patients: Medical History, Hospice Care, and End-of-Life Symptom Prevalence. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cloyes, Kristin G.; Berry, Patricia H.; Martz, Kim; Supiano, Katherine
• Is Part Of: Journal of correctional health care. Volume 21:Number 3(2015)
• Page Start: 298
• Page End: 308
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: prison hospice -- end of life -- palliative care -- correctional health; Prisoners -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; Prisoners -- Medical care -- United States -- Periodicals; 365.667
• DOI: 10.1177/1078345815588842
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-3458

Abstract

Increasing numbers of prisoners in the United States are dying from age-related and chronic illnesses while incarcerated. This study is among the first to document characteristics of a population of prison hospice patients. Retrospective review of medical records for all patients admitted to the Louisiana State Penitentiary prison hospice program between January 1, 2004, and May 31, 2012 ( N = 79) examined demographics, medical history, hospice diagnosis, length of stay, and end-of-life symptom prevalence on admission and during final 72 hours before death. Resulting data were contrasted with community-based end-of-life care study data, demonstrating a unique clinical profile of this group. As prisons consider adopting programs to meet the growing need for inmate end-of-life care, more research concerning the particular characteristics and unique needs of prison hospice patients will inform these efforts.