Exploring Digital Healthcare in Scottish Prisons
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Health-Justice Nexus: Crime and Justice as Social Determinants of Health in Scotland: Workstream 2, phase 2: Exploring Digital Healthcare in Scottish Prisons: A Peer-Facilitated Study
IRAS ID
364624
Contact name
Katrina Morrison
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Edinburgh Napier Univer
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 0 days
Research summary
The Scottish Government says it wants the justice system (including police, prison officers and social workers) to pay more attention to people’s health. This is because evidence shows that people who are taken into custody, or subject to supervision or post-release licences, often have high health needs which are not always met by current health and care systems. This means that they may not get the support they need. We know, for example, that it can be hard to register with a GP without a fixed address (which is often the case for people leaving prison).
We will explore how new digital technologies could improve access to healthcare for people in prison. Many people in custody have significant health needs, but it can be difficult to get consistent support. Digital technology, such as digital healthcare appointments, secure phone or video services and kiosk systems, may help people receive timely healthcare while in prison and support better continuity of care when they return to the community. Our research will look at how these technologies are currently used, what benefits they offer, and what changes could further improve healthcare access for people living in prison.REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
26/WS/0019
Date of REC Opinion
12 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion