Education for Healthcare Professionals on Protocol for Prostate Cancer Screenings on Inmates

Author

Heather AckermanFollow
Randi Janae BallardFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-2024

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Ashley Wittler

Project Team Faculty Member

Kristin Elmore

Keywords

inmates, incarcerated, prostate screening, protocol, cancer, and prostate cancer

Abstract

Cancer is the leading cause of death for incarcerated individuals, prostate cancer awareness and screening guidelines are essential areas of focus for healthcare professionals (Puglisi et al., 2021). Prostate cancer screenings recommend that males between the age of 55-69 be informed of evidence-based guidelines and offered these screenings as a part of routine health maintenance (USPSTF, 2018). In 2019, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) was ordered to follow these guidelines for incarcerated individuals (Raba, 2021). As of 2021, the IDOC had yet to implement these screenings for incarcerated individuals within the state facilities. Two separate one-hour educational sessions regarding prostate cancer screening guidelines and recommendations were provided to staff members at a maximum-security prison in Southeastern Illinois. The project was quasi-experimental where participating staff completed pre-and post-education surveys. Out of the 16 participants, 12 pre- and post-surveys were received. The pre-and post-educational survey results indicated that the educational session was sufficient in explaining the positive outcomes of early detection of prostate cancer screenings. The overall goal of the project was to provide education surrounding prostate screening protocols for male inmates and reinforce the importance of aligning with the state legislature. In the future, education could be extended to other facilities within the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Recommended Citation

Ackerman, Heather and Ballard, Randi Janae, "Education for Healthcare Professionals on Protocol for Prostate Cancer Screenings on Inmates" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 338.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/338

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