Table 2 Formerly Incarcerated Women’s Messages for Healthcare Decision Makers (Themes and Sub-Codes)
Community Healthcare | Prison Healthcare |
|---|---|
Theme 1: The healthcare system is not working. 1. Insurance is a barrier 2. Cost is a barrier 3. Lack of access leads to more poor health outcomes 4. Mental health care is not available 5. Stigma and limits placed on formerly incarcerated women are barriers | Theme 1: We had experiences of poor physical healthcare in prison. 1. Stories of poor physical healthcare experiences 2. Behavioral healthcare experiences were positive (programs, groups, counselors) 3. Generally satisfied/neutral experiences of physical healthcare |
Theme 2: Have compassion for us. 1. We matter 2. Listen to us 3. We need more help/resources, not punishment | Theme 2: More specialty care is needed in prison. 1. Need for more/better physical healthcare options/services a. Dental & eye care b. Better chronic illness care c. Better screenings/assessments 2. Need for more/better mental healthcare a. Addiction-specific b. Trauma-specific c. More individualized care (including more frequent sessions) d. Better mental health screening at intake |
Theme 3: Recognize that we have specific and unique needs. 1. Need for recognition of unique needs of formerly incarcerated women 2. Mental health is especially important, especially in light of trauma histories 3. Need for understanding of trauma and addiction | |
Theme 4: The transition from incarceration is challenging and requires more support. 1. Women are returning to same environments/lack support 2. Expectations are unrealistic 3. Finding employment is difficult 4. Need for more formal support (transitional living, social workers, etc.) | Theme 3: Healthcare providers treat women in prison poorly. 1. Need for providers to believe, listen to, and take seriously the needs of incarcerated women 2. Need for empathetic, nonjudgmental providers who are there because they are care 3. Need to be treated like a human being |