Harris Health System, located in Harris Country, Texas, has expanded its EHR Software to include the Harris County Jail. The objective is to enhance the continuity of care for nearly 10,000 individuals who are in custody there. People who are incarcerated tend to have a higher prevalence of Ongoing health issues as compared to the general population in the United States. This population is known to experience chronic medical conditions as well as infectious diseases.
Improving health outcomes in jails
Individuals who are admitted to jail often have pre-existing health concerns including heart disease, mental health conditions, and diabetes. Access to quality medical care is essential for this population. With 6.9 million people being admitted to jail from mid-2020 to mid-2021, healthcare in correctional facilities is of utmost importance
Public health experts maintain that people who have been detained or paroled should have access to care and treatment without any disruptions and should be part of the country’s public health policy. To improve health outcomes they recommend seamless patient records sharing between detention facilities and other healthcare providers, as well as partnerships between community health centers.
Harris Health steps in to enhance care in Harris County Jail
Harris Health, the public healthcare system, has taken a proactive step towards improving the health of its community by offering healthcare services to the Harris County Jail. By elevating care standards within the jail, Harris Health has seized an opportunity to make a significant impact on the well-being of a vulnerable population. This move underscores the organization’s commitment to providing accessible and high-quality healthcare to all members of its community, regardless of their circumstances.
Harris Health extended or transitioned its Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software to the jail through the Epic Community Connect Program. This enabled them to share the same patient records and give clinicians access to the same tools used at Harris Health’s other facilities.
Individuals who are incarcerated have previously received medical care at Harris Health’s clinics or hospitals. By using the same Epic EMR Software, healthcare providers both inside and outside of the jail can offer informed care that will ultimately lead to improved health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Deploying EMR software at a large jail
During the implementation of the EHR system, one major challenge faced was the high volume of people entering and leaving the jail daily, with around 250 new individuals being admitted every day. Upon entry, their demographic details are usually incorrect, and it takes time for the jail’s offender management system to confirm their details.
However, some individuals who are placed in custody require immediate care, such as dialysis, and acute mental treatment for chronic mental health crises. To assist physicians in documenting care without delay a workflow was established to enable clinicians to create short provisional records containing key demographic information. Later, once the patient details have been confirmed, the system automatically combines the provisional record with the current patient record, ensuring accurate and efficient documentation.
Expanding telemedicine services
Following the successful implementation of the EHR software, Harris Health has continued to explore innovative ways to improve healthcare delivery in the Harris County Jail. In 2022, healthcare providers launched after-hours telehealth sessions, enabling patients in custody to have easy access to care at night. This technology platform provides a range of services, including orthopedic, cardiac, and neurological care, and the organization is looking to expand the range of medical specialties included in virtual visits.
To further enhance the quality of care provided to individuals with chronic conditions, Harris Health is planning to implement new tools and technologies at the jail. The organization is focused on raising the standards of care in the Jail, with the ultimate goal of improving the health and well-being of the community it serves. By leveraging technology and innovative approaches, Harris Health is leading the way in transforming healthcare delivery in correctional facilities.
