Not Just an Adverse Outcome: Emergency Departments as an Opportunity for Collaboration for Carceral Health

Abstract

Emergency departments (EDs) are highly utilized by individuals with criminal-legal system involvement (CLSI)—including those pre-arrest, in-custody, and post-release. EDs are often considered “adverse outcomes” in health services, clinical, and implementation research. We argue that EDs should also be considered an important partner in clinical carceral health practice and research. EDs have served important roles in addressing clinical and social determinants of health among other marginalized populations, such as those with behavioral health needs or housing insecurity. As EDs interact with patients throughout the correctional care continuum, we offer suggestions for partnership to improve clinical care. Finally, we highlight ED-based research being done to improve care for individuals with CLSI and why researchers should consider partnering with EDs to enhance recruitment, data collection, and intervention development of their studies. While it is never ideal for someone to require an ED visit, the reality is that for many, the ED is their primary source of care. We encourage our colleagues working in corrections medicine, re-entry services, and research to consider how they can partner with EDs as we all work to improve health systems and outcomes for our shared patients with CLSI.