Policy on the Transport and Escort of Incarcerated People to External Healthcare in Canada

The aim of this study was to synthesize policies governing the transport and escort of incarcerated people in Canada to external healthcare appointments. We sent Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy requests to each province and territory and to the federal government of Canada, requesting any information pertaining to the transport and escort of incarcerated people to external healthcare. We conducted reflexive content analysis of the policies to determine key themes. We received policy documents from 11 jurisdictions. The lack of explicit policy protections for patient dignity, privacy and confidentiality undermines the ability of people in prison to receive healthcare.