title: Prescribing for people in custody.
abstract: People who are, or have been, in custody often have multiple morbidities and multi-dimensional disadvantage. A thorough clinical evaluation and multidisciplinary approach will assist in managing these patients. Treatment plans should be pragmatic and simple, and explained in an understandable manner. Caution should be used in the prescription of any medicines that have the potential for abuse. There is also a risk of drug diversion. There is an increase in mortality after prisoners are released into the community. Preparations should therefore be made before release to ensure continuity of care.
authors.affiliation: Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, New South Wales Ministry of Health, Sydney.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hampton
authors.affiliation: Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, New South Wales Ministry of Health, Sydney.
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Blomgren
authors.affiliation: Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, New South Wales Ministry of Health, Sydney.
authors.forename: Jill
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.affiliation: Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, New South Wales Ministry of Health, Sydney.
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mackinnon
authors.affiliation: Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, New South Wales Ministry of Health, Sydney.
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nicholls
keywords: drug dependence; prescription drug diversion; prisoners