Roughly 2 million people in the U.S. are incarcerated and they often lack timely access to safe, effective surgical care. But this isn’t just a workforce issue. It’s also clinically and ethically relevant: Every stage of an incarcerated person's care needs to be put in the context of their restricted liberty, diminished legal agency and increased environmental risk for a range of abuses and trauma.
The April issue of AMA Journal of Ethics® (@JournalofEthics) explores the challenges facing heath professionals, health care organizations and governments in delivering clinically and ethically appropriate surgical care for incarcerees.
The AMA Journal of Ethics is an editorially independent, peer-reviewed journal devoted to helping students and clinicians navigate ethical decisions in service to patients and communities. The April issue of the journal includes the following articles.
“How Should Physicians Manage Traumatic Injuries Sustained During Incarceration?”
- Patients’ rights to evidence-based standard of care should not be compromised for patients who are incarcerated.
“Care of Patients Who Are Incarcerated.”
- This article considers AMA Code of Medical Ethics’ opinions relevant to the care of patients who are incarcerated.
“How Should Surgeons Help Formerly Incarcerated Patients With Chronic Surgical Needs Maintain Care Continuity?”
- Incarceration history adds to the clinical and ethical complexity of surgical care for patients who require an ostomy, especially when secondary to trauma.
“What Are the Top 5 Things Surgical Trainees Should Consider When Caring for Patients Who Are Incarcerated?”
- The U.S. has the most individuals who are incarcerated worldwide.
Listen and learn
The journal’s April “Ethics Talk” podcast features a conversation with Cynthia Chandler, director of the Bay Area Legal Incubator, in Oakland, California, about the practice of sterilization in California state prisons. In addition, Anthony Loria, MD, a research resident in Rochester, New York, shares new research on surgical outcomes for incarcerated patients.
The April issue also features two author-interview podcasts. Listen to previous episodes of the “Ethics Talk” podcast or subscribe in iTunes or other services.
Also, CME modules drawn from this month’s issue are collected at the AMA Ed Hub™ AMA Journal of Ethics webpage.
The next issue of the journal will focus on private equity in health care. Apply to be an AMA Journal of Ethics editorial fellow or senior editorial fellow and design a theme issue with us.
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