Can We Address the Shortage of Psychiatrists in the Correctional Setting with Exposure During Residency Training?

Psychiatry residents at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center were surveyed to investigate their attitudes towards
inmates, towards various aspects of correctional psychiatry and whether rotating at the local jail is associated with these
attitudes. The overall opinion towards correctional psychiatry was fairly neutral though significantly more negative than
towards inpatient psychiatry. While citing a high need for psychiatrists at correctional facilities, residents reported they
are not likely to work there when they complete residency. No statistical differences were found between those residents who
had rotated at the local jail and those who had not. Given the severe shortage of mental health providers in correctional
facilities it is important to expose residents to this and understand ways to promote correctional psychiatry as a career.