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Abstract

Abstract

This paper reports the first phase of a two-part exploratory study that sought to understand the challenges of navigating the health care system from the perspectives of post-incarcerated individuals. Phase 1 focus groups sought to understand the experience of releasees and their efforts to self-manage their health care. Three groups of adult men and women, 23 participants in total, with an incarceration history participated in Phase 1 focus groups. Barriers to access identified included: lack of computer access and/or computer literacy; poor health instruction and limited health system comprehension; lack of navigation skills; memory difficulties; homelessness and poverty; poor insurance and perceived bias of providers. Generally, the groups lacked the ability to problem-solve and blamed others for their difficulties while expressing an interest in providing self-care- they simply lacked the knowledge and skills to do so. Natural leaders emerged from the group, and were found to be informal helpers to those being released to the community.

Keywords: healthcare; post-incarceration; barriers; qualitative;

Funding

Funding provided by:

Connecticut Institute for Clinical and Translational Science

University of Connecticut Health Center

UCONN IRB #H14-103

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