Skin Camouflage for Women Prisoners with Self-Harm Scarring: Version 2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility and Acceptability of Medical Skin Camouflage for Recovery of Women with Self-Harm Scarring in Prison: Phase 1 and 2
IRAS ID
199084
Contact name
Kathryn Abel
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 10 months, 31 days
Research summary
Is medical skin camouflage feasible and acceptable for recovery of women with self-harm scarring in prison?: Phase 1 and 2.
Women prisoners are more likely to commit suicide or self-harm than women in the community or male prisoners. Healthcare services have improved how they manage self-harm in the community and prisons. However, there has been little focus on the recovery of people with self-harm scars. Medical skin camouflage (MSC) is a skin cream designed to camouflage skin conditions. Research on MSC has focused on its use with non-self-harm marks e.g. burns. The evidence from this research suggests that MSC helps women feel better and do more activities. There is little/no evidence about the effects of MSC for women who self-harm and for prisoners.
This research was funded by the NIHR RfPB. In the research we will examine whether it is possible and practical to use MSC in prison. We will ask prisoners and staff what they think about MSC. The research has four parts. In the first part we will talk to groups of people from the prison about the best way to use MSC and how to measure its effects. In the second part we will design a programme for MSC application, including training materials for part three. Part 1 and 2 are preparation for the later parts of the research. In part 3 we will train prisoners to apply MSC. We will then conduct a small pilot randomised control trial in part 4.
Potential benefits of the entire study may be an increase in self-esteem and quality of life for the women prisoners. As women recover they may be less likely to self-harm.
REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NE/0030
Date of REC Opinion
18 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion