Journal

ID: ACJ12-A003 01 Sep 2021

by Dr. Amy Kwon, Dr. Neil Bretaña, Luke Grant, Ms. Jennifer Galouzis, Wendy Hoey, Dr. James Blogg, Professor Andrew Lloyd, Dr. Richard Gray

Advancing Corrections Journal - Edition #12 - Innovation in Correctional Healthcare (ACJ12-A003)

Article 3: The COVID-19 Incarceration Model-A Tool for Corrections (ACJ12-A003)

Abstract

Correctional facilities are at high risk of COVID-19 outbreaks due to the inevitable close contacts in the environment. Such facilities are a high priority in the public health response to the pandemic. We developed a user-friendly Microsoft Excel spreadsheet model building on the previously developed Recidiviz model (Recidiviz 2020) to analyze COVID-19 outbreaks in correctional facilities and the potential impact of prevention strategies – the COVID-19 Incarceration Model. The model requires relatively limited input data and can be readily used by those without modelling experience such as facility managers, correctional staff, policy makers, and other stakeholders. The impact of a COVID-19 outbreak and various mitigation strategies is illustrated for an example correctional setting.

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Authors

Dr. Amy Kwon

Mathematical Modeler, University of NSW, Australia

Dr. Amy Kwon is a mathematical modeler, in the Surveillance and Evaluation Research Program, Kirby Institute at the University of NSW. Her main research focuses on the development of mathematical models to understand the epidemiology of HCV and predict the impact and cost-effectiveness of interventions. She also leads other modelling projects to design intervention strategies and their impacts to assist governments in making informed decisions that affect the annual budget and resource allocation.

Dr. Neil Bretaña

Public Health Researcher, Australia

Dr. Neil Bretaña is a public health researcher with over 10 years of experience in health data analytics, disease modelling, and health innovation. His research interest focuses on the use of technology to improve public health. Aside from teaching and research, he also works with the industry on healthcare-related projects, and mentors health-related start-ups in Australia and in Denmark. His qualifications include a PhD in Public Health, MSc in Bioinformatics, a BSc in Computer Science with specialisation in Software Technology, and a post-graduate certificate in BioMedical Design and Innovation.

Luke Grant

Deputy Commissioner, Corrective Services NSW, Australia

Luke Grant as Deputy Commissioner for Corrective Services NSW is responsible for developing and implementing correctional strategy and policy for the State of NSW. Luke joined Corrections in 1991 and has worked in diverse positions in community corrections, offender programs, prisoner classification and offender management. For over two decades Luke has championed research collaborations between the corrections industry nationally and universities. This includes commissioning research, teaching in undergraduate and post graduate programs and actively engaging in research around offender behavior and health. He holds a Master of Science Degree (Research) from the University of Sydney.

Ms. Jennifer Galouzis

Director, Corporate Research Evaluation and Statistics, Corrective Services New South Wales

Jennifer Galouzis is the Director of Corrections Research, Evaluation and Statistics, Corrective Services NSW, Australia. Jennifer is also a current PhD candidate with the University of Melbourne and her thesis is titled ‘A rehabilitative prison environment and the possibility of therapeutic prisons’. Jennifer’s research interests are in the social and cultural climate of prisons and the measurement of prison performance. She has published papers in the areas of violence, sex offender treatment and risk of re-imprisonment.

Wendy Hoey

Executive Director, Clinical Operations, Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Australia

Wendy Hoey joined Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network as Executive Director of Clinical Operations in 2019. She is a Registered Nurse, has a Graduate Certificate in Management and is currently studying a Master of Business Admin and Public Health at Torrens University. Wendy has over 20 years’ experience in senior health management roles within the public sector. Prior appointments include Executive Director for Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service and Nursing Director for the Central Queensland Mental Health Service.

Dr. James Blogg

Clinical Director, Senior Staff Specialist, Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network, NSW Health, Australia

Dr. James Blogg is a public health physician working in infectious diseases in vulnerable populations. He is Clinical Director of Population Health, Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network and also works as a Senior Staff Specialist for Drug Health Services, Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health.

Professor Andrew Lloyd

Researcher, University of NSW, Australia

Professor Andrew Lloyd is an infectious diseases physician and immunology researcher in the Kirby Institute at the University of NSW and has worked clinically in the prison sector for many years. He leads a research team studying prisoner health, focused largely on hepatitis C. Professor Lloyd was awarded a prestigious Australia Medal (AM) in 2002 for his work in establishing hepatitis services in the New South Wales prisons and for his research achievements in infectious diseases.

Dr. Richard Gray

Senior Research Fellow, University of NSW, Australia

Dr. Richard Gray is a Senior Research Fellow in the Surveillance, Evaluation and Research Program at the Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney. His research focuses on mathematical epidemiology and the use of mathematical models to investigate the transmission and progression of infectious diseases. Through his research, Dr Gray aims to understand the trajectories of epidemics and evaluate the potential impact of public health strategies to inform the development of public health policy.

Advancing Corrections Journal - Edition #12 - Innovation in Correctional Healthcare (ACJ12-A003)

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