Scoping study examining the use of prescription drugs in prisons

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Scoping study examining the use of prescription drugs in prisons in Northern Ireland

  • IRAS ID

    225562

  • Contact name

    Kathryn Higgins

  • Contact email

    k.m.higgins@qub.ac.uk

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 6 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    The primary aim of the research is to examine the use of prescription medication in prisons across Northern Ireland from the perspectives of prisoners, prison officers and healthcare staff. We are not examining the prescribing of these substances, rather, we are examining the use of drugs that are commonly prescribed and consumption of these drugs with and/or without prescription. Very broadly, the aim is to examine how prescription drug use fits into the wider portfolio of drug use in prisons, for example, are prescription drugs more or less available than illicit drugs and/or NPS? Are they used singularly or in tandem with other drugs? Is use always based on availability? What might help in terms of diversion?

  • REC name

    HSC REC B

  • REC reference

    17/NI/0084

  • Date of REC Opinion

    8 Jun 2017

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion