Prisoner peer caregiving: a literature review

Abstract

Aim To explore the role of prisoner caregivers in providing peer social care to older prisoners and to identify methodological information and challenges to conducting research in prisons, to inform future research in this setting. Method The literature review was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, a systematic literature review was undertaken to retrieve articles related to prisoner caregiving. The main themes from these articles were identified. In the second stage, a narrative literature review was undertaken to provide contextual and methodological information about research, which may support future research in prisons. Findings The main themes identified in the systematic literature review were: the benefits of prisoner caregiving; training needs; and the organisational implications of implementing prisoner caregiving. The narrative literature review identified a range of methodological approaches used to undertake research in prisons. Challenges to undertaking research in prisons included practical issues, the influence of power on relationships and the difficulty for researchers not to take the side of either the prisoners or prison staff. Conclusion The role of prisoner caregiver is increasingly recognised as important, and is associated with several benefits to individual prisoners and the prison community. However, further training is required for prisoner caregivers, and there is a need for further research into the prisoner caregiving role, using a methodology that is suitable for the prison setting.

An exploration of the support provided by prison staff, education, health and social care professionals, and prisoners for prisoners with dementia

“…The components of the buddies programme can be identified as addressing each of the different models for peer interventions, which include peer education, peer support, peer monitoring and peer bridging roles (South, et al 2017). The current study and other initiatives of peer care have demonstrated the need for education, but also peer support and peer monitoring to address the needs of prisoners who have taken on a role that can be emotionally and physically draining (Moll, 2013;Stewart & Edmond, 2017). However there is currently a lack of robust evaluation or sufficient published information to evaluate the impact of these initiatives to support and improve the outcomes of the prisoners receiving care (Hodel & Sanchez, 2012;Stewart & Edmond, 2017).…”

A systematic integrative review of programmes addressing the social care needs of older prisoners

“…However, this debate would benefit from further evaluation. Team working - given the different staff and prisoner groupings involved in delivering social care in prisons, and associated security-care philosophy clashes, research exploring team working, and the negotiation and resolution of these tensions would be useful. Many of the programmes employed prisoners, but robust evaluations of peer support for older prisoners and their co-working with staff are lacking (Stewart & Edmond, 2017). Prisoner involvement and participation - there was a striking lack of prisoner programme attendees included in the samples of the papers under review.…”

“Imagine if I'm not here, what they're going to do?”—Health‐care access and culturally and linguistically diverse women in prison

“…It is apparent that peer interpreters in prison may take on informal roles that are in keeping with peer support workers. Prison peer support programmes are an emerging approach to bridge health service gaps; the research suggests benefits exist, but evidence is generally limited . These programmes utilize prisoners who are formally trained and employed in either paid or unpaid roles and include peer support and health education activities .…”

“…Prison peer support programmes are an emerging approach to bridge health service gaps; the research suggests benefits exist, but evidence is generally limited . These programmes utilize prisoners who are formally trained and employed in either paid or unpaid roles and include peer support and health education activities . They have the potential to reduce barriers to health care and empower CALD women through advocacy and support, while promoting cohesion within the prison community and supporting its rehabilitative function .…”

“…These programmes utilize prisoners who are formally trained and employed in either paid or unpaid roles and include peer support and health education activities . They have the potential to reduce barriers to health care and empower CALD women through advocacy and support, while promoting cohesion within the prison community and supporting its rehabilitative function . Figure summarizes the formal peer worker role and its potential benefits in the prison setting.…”