This session examines communication breakdowns between correctional health care and hospital teams during patient transfers to and from emergency and offsite care. It explores challenges hospitals face when treating incarcerated patients and highlights how collaboration, education, and structured handoff systems can reduce misunderstandings, unnecessary emergency visits, and patient harm. Real-world examples demonstrate improved care, efficiency, and outcomes through proactive partnerships.

Educational Objectives

• Identify coordination and communication challenges that result in unnecessary transports, compromised care, or patient harm
• Discuss the importance of structured communication during patient handoff
• List ways to improve collaboration between hospitals and correctional health care teams

Level: Intermediate