Navigating reentry: a qualitative analysis of health system engagement among adults with chronic health conditions after release from prison

Abstract Transitioning from prison to the community is accompanied by multiple challenges which limit individuals’ ability to access health care after release. To address this gap, we developed and pilot-tested a nurse-delivered, transitional case management intervention in two state prisons in the Midwestern U.S. The goal of this analysis was to understand how the intervention, named Call2Care, supported recently-released men and women to attend a primary care appointment after release from prison. We conducted semi-structured interviews with formerly incarcerated men and women after their participation in Call2Care. Interviews were analyzed using an experiential approach to thematic analysis. Major themes identified were Aligning Priorities and Resources, Teaching and Rehearsing Logistics of Health System Use, Impact of Context, and Gaining Trust. All of these themes occur within the context of Feeling Overwhelmed during release and reentry. The complex challenges faced by people returning to the community after prison oftentimes negatively affect their ability to access health are services after release, requiring strategic efforts to support access to care after incarceration. Call2Care is a strategy to support people to access primary care services after release from prison, while also providing additional supports and resources which are not explicitly health-related.