Trajectories of psychological distress after prison release: implications for mental health service need in ex-prisoners

Thomas, Emma F.; Spittal, Matthew J; Heffernan, Ed; Taxman, Faye S.; Alati, Rosa; Kinner, Stuart A

doi:10.1017/s0033291715002123

Cited by 56 publications

(43 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…Furthermore, SF-6D utility scores were a function of SF-8 survey responses and only around 40% of participants completed each follow-up survey, with loss to follow-up associated with health risk behaviours. 47 In addition, SF-8 survey has not been validated among ex-prisoner/prisoner populations. Therefore, it is not possible to capture the full range of potential health outcomes using the SF-8/QALY approach, and in this context, given the limitations of our health measure, any conclusions must be made with caution.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cost–utility analysis of low-intensity case management to increase contact with health services among ex-prisoners in Australia

et al. 2018

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ObjectivesThe economic burden of incarceration is substantial in Australia. People released from prison are at high risk of poor health and this is an important predictor of recidivism. The ‘Passports Study’ was a randomised controlled trial of an intervention designed to increase health service utilisation after release from prison. The aim of this study is to conduct a cost–utility analysis of this transitional programme.SettingAustraliaDesignA hybrid simulation model was developed to estimate the changes to total economic costs and effectiveness expressed as quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) from the adoption of the ’Passports’ intervention compared with the control group. Model parameters were informed by linked data from Queensland Corrective Services, Medicare, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Queensland Hospital Admission Patient Data Collection, Emergency Department Information System and National Death Index. Health-related quality of life was measured using the Short-Form 8 Health Survey (SF-8). The primary outcomes were the costs and estimated QALYs associated with the intervention group and the control group. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted to test parameter uncertainties.ResultsCompared with the control group where no attempt was made to encourage health service utilisation, an average participant in the intervention group incurred an extra cost of AUD 1790 and experienced slightly reduced QALYs, which indicated that the intervention was dominated in the baseline analysis. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed that the transitional programme had a low probability of being cost-effective with the outcome measures selected.ConclusionThe findings of this study do not provide economic evidence to support the widespread adoption of the Passports intervention. Due to the reductionist nature of the cost–utility approach, it may be that important health-related benefits have been omitted. Another research approach using a wider range of health-related measures might generate different conclusions.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cost–utility analysis of low-intensity case management to increase contact with health services among ex-prisoners in Australia

et al. 2018

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“…Of concern, however, is that two of the above items were considered unmet for a majority of participants in Psychological distress and Safety to others. Prior research indicates that high levels of psychological distress often persist after release from custody (Thomas et al 2016). Further, although a slight majority of participants were receiving assistance for substance abuse problems, a significant minority of participants’ needs were considered to be unmet here.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are Australian prisons meeting the needs of Indigenous offenders?

2016

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BackgroundThe over-representation of Indigenous Australians in custody is well documented, yet little is known about whether the health and social needs of Indigenous prisoners are met in correctional facilities. This study sought to identify common areas of need in a representative sample of Indigenous people in custody, and consider how well prison services were addressing these issues.MethodsThe sample comprised 122 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody in Victoria. Participants were administered the Camberwell Assessment of Need Forensic-Short Version to ascertain the presence or absence of needs in custody. Statistical analyses to determine associations with re-offence were conducted.ResultsFindings indicated that prisons were able to meet the non-criminogenic needs of many offenders; however there was a limited capacity to address specific criminogenic needs. Psychological distress, substance abuse, poor treatment adherence and threatening behaviours were considered ongoing needs regardless of supports/interventions being provided. Moreover, these four unaddressed needs were all associated with future recidivism.ConclusionsEffective prison treatment services focusing on these four areas of need are urgently required. Such initiatives require continuation post-release combined with additional assistance to uphold basic non-criminogenic needs acquired in prison.

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“…Preparation for release as part of throughcare includes needs assessment and key elements like health, family, nance, housing and employment [15]. The ndings of this and other studies showed challenges at release that are complex [26,27]. In our ndings there are challenges on a structural and individual level.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 57%

“My first 48 hours out”: Drug users’ perspectives on challenges and strategies upon release from prison

Jamin

Stöver

Vanderplasschen

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Background Prisoners report much higher prevalence rates of drug use and more harmful patterns of use than the general population [1]. People who use drugs have also an above-average experience with the criminal justice system in general, the prison system and the subsequent release situation in particular. Release from prison is associated with increased mortality rates among drug users due to the risk of overdose [2–5]. The EU-funded project ‘My first 48h out’ aimed to address the gaps in the continuity of care for long-term drug users in prison and upon release and had a special focus on drug user’s perspectives on challenges upon release.Methods A multi-country (Belgium, France, Germany and Portugal) qualitative study was set up to explore drug users’ perceptions of drug use and risk behaviour upon prison release, experiences of incarceration, knowledge of risks and overdose prevention, individual risk reduction mechanisms and strategies to avoid risks when being released. Therefore, interviews and focus groups based on a semi-structured interview with (ex-) prisoners in four countries were implemented.Results 104 (Ex-) prisoners pointed out that there are a lot of challenges for people who use drugs at release from prison. Mainly named are a lack of housing and employment support and also a complex administrative procedure regarding services, health insurance and welfare benefits. Beside these structural challenges there are individual challenges like old habits, drug use (overdose) and the situation outside prison. As a result of a lack of support (ex-) prisoners use individual strategies to cope with the risks and challenges at release.Conclusion There are measures to prepare prisoners for release, but mostly they do not focus on individual and specific challanges of poeple who use drugs. Mainly psychosocial and medical support need to be improved and adjusted inside and outside prison. To implement measures the individual needs and strategies of people who use drugs should be utilized, as they show the specific needs of drug users at release.

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Trajectories of psychological distress after prison release: implications for mental health service need in ex-prisoners

Abstract: For the majority of prisoners with high to very high psychological distress, distress persists after release. However, contact with mental health services in the community appears low. Further research is required to understand barriers to mental health service access among ex-prisoners.

Cited by 56 publications

References 37 publications

Cost–utility analysis of low-intensity case management to increase contact with health services among ex-prisoners in Australia

Cost–utility analysis of low-intensity case management to increase contact with health services among ex-prisoners in Australia

Are Australian prisons meeting the needs of Indigenous offenders?

“My first 48 hours out”: Drug users’ perspectives on challenges and strategies upon release from prison

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