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Key considerations:

  1. Ethical considerations are essential in dealing with personal data in prison setting. To that end collecting data in an ethically sound and robust way should be ensured by following existing methodological guidelines on data collection in prison and international guidelines including the Helsinki Declaration and the International Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research involving Human Subjects and the CIOMS guidelines for epidemiological studies.  

  2. Confidentiality is important in relation to the use of data of individuals. Data relating to people living in prison is subject to the same level (or higher) of confidentiality as in community as per national laws. 

    Consideration of data protection issues is needed, particularly in prison, as these issues may impede a smooth flow of data between prison and community that is needed for the provision of seamless care and can also increase stigma.  

    Local solutions to such barriers will need to be sought based on a careful assessment of the situation by all relevant stakeholders, including prison authorities, healthcare staff and local public health teams (see Section 2: Strategy development).   

  3. Electronic medical records (EMRs) are instrumental in efficiently managing data pertaining to viral hepatitis within prison settings and facilitate the flow of information. The digitalisation of medical records allows prisons to efficiently monitor and address the health needs of people in prison with viral hepatitis.  

    EMRs enable rapid access to patient information, facilitating prompt diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of the diseases. This seamless flow of data enhances communication among healthcare providers in prisons and with the wider health community, ensuring coordinated care and improved health outcomes for individuals affected by hepatitis B and C.  

    Furthermore, EMRs support comprehensive data analysis and reporting, enabling the development of targeted interventions and public health strategies to combat hepatitis in prisons.  

    However, many prisons do not have digital systems but still rely on paper-based systems which make it challenging to access and integrate data efficiently. Implementing EMRs in prisons can greatly enhance the effectiveness of efforts towards viral hepatitis elimination by improving data accessibility, accuracy, analysis, continuity of care, and overall healthcare efficiency.