Many non-correctional health care providers will also treat inmates from time to time. This may occur in the office or hospital. How can one best approach the challenges of working with the incarcerated in order to deliver the best possible care while simultaneously managing risk?
1. Treat the patient with respect. Not submissive respect, but mutual respect — the way we all want to be treated. I believe that this principle alone goes a long way towards helping one to establish a therapeutic alliance and to minimize interpersonal conflict and hostility. Inmates are people, too. Those who do not agree with this statement should steer clear of treating them.
2. Listen attentively. It may be tempting to get this shackled person (who you may secretly be embarrassed to have in your office) out as expediently as possible. Squelch that temptation, and listen actively as you would to any patient. All patients want their concerns taken seriously. Inmates are no exception. I believe you minimize problems for yourself in the long run (and provide better care) if you ensure that patients’ concerns are heard, especially if they seem to have more challenging personality styles.
3. Be honest. If there is a particular reason why you think something the patient is requesting is inappropriate, then politely tell them so. If you believe they have a particular diagnosis, psychiatric or not, then
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