Corrections_Today_Spring_2025_Vol.87_No.1

VIEW FROM THE LINE

The survey revealed a wide range in the frequency of MDTT team meetings. Approximately 28% of ju risdictions reported meeting weekly, while 3% indicated monthly meet ings. Additionally, 23% mentioned that their MDTT teams met on an as-needed basis. The duration of these meetings also varied; the most common duration was 60 minutes (46%), followed by 30 minutes (26%) and 45 minutes (11%). Multi-disciplinary treatment teams (MDTT) are highlighted in many ACA expected practices and have become essential in delivering integrated healthcare, which we define as physical More than 60% of jurisdictions required attendance at MDTT from Physical Health and Mental Health providers, Psychiatry, Nursing staff, Case Managers and administration (Warden or Deputy Warden). Over 40% required Reentry and Records staff to attend. When surveyed about the primary benefits of using multi-disciplinary treatment teams in correctional facilities, over 80% of respondents highlighted improvements in rehabili tation, enhanced staff collaboration, and mental health, in correctional settings.

better assessment and treatment planning and increased safety and security within the facility. The ef fectiveness of team dynamics within these teams was rated at over 64% as very effective and over 25% as some what effective. Only 3% rated them as not very effective. The survey inquired about MDTT teams’ collaboration with external departments or agencies. Results showed 20% believed there was extensive collaboration, 49% reported moderate collaboration and 31% noted minimal collaboration. Additionally, 63% of respondents confirmed that meeting minutes were taken during MDTT meetings, while 37% said no minutes were recorded. Multi-disciplinary treatment teams (MDTT) are highlighted in many ACA expected practices and have become essential in deliver ing integrated healthcare, which we define as physical and mental health, in correctional settings. Although the application of MDTT teams var ies, there are significant similarities across different systems. MDTTs: Opportunities and challenges MDTT teams face communica tion challenges. Misunderstandings can occur with many professionals involved. Clear protocols are es sential to prevent confusion and maintain alignment. Differing opinions can be chal lenging. Professionals have unique experiences and views, leading to disagreements. Being open-minded ensures the best decision making. MDTTs are responsible for preventing and addressing system

failures. Each MDTT is unique in its size and structure, tailored to the needs of a population. MDTTs func tion in various environments, such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities. They have been used in the corrections field for many years. Implementing a multi-disciplinary treatment team (MDTT) within correctional facilities can face chal lenges due to staffing limitations, logistical barriers and the complexi ties of interdisciplinary collaboration. Research indicates that effective MDTTs have the potential to improve health outcomes for incarcerated individuals (Tadros et al., 2021). One significant challenge involves staffing shortages and resource constraints. Many facilities experience insufficient personnel to support MDTT partici pation, and competing duties make it difficult for staff to allocate time for meetings. Frequent staff turnover further complicates the situation, requiring ongoing education to ensure new personnel understand the value and function of MDTTs. Additionally, limited funding restricts the ability to expand staffing or provide necessary resources for effective implementation. Scheduling and logistical challenges present barriers. Coor dinating meetings among diverse stakeholders in different locations is tough due to conflicting schedules. In rural areas, poor technology ac cess and unreliable virtual meeting capabilities hinder participation. Physical constraints like space and privacy issues further complicate regular meetings. Gaining buy-in and participation from all stakeholders is challeng ing. Non-clinical staff, especially security personnel, may view these

Spring 2025 | Corrections Today

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