Transition from secure hospital to prison, Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
From inpatient to incarceration: the experience of imprisoned individuals who have transitioned from secure hospital to prison
IRAS ID
348550
Contact name
Taylor Aldana
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 27 days
Research summary
While the importance of ongoing mental healthcare when transitioning from secure hospital to community is well-established, there is little research exploring the transition process from secure hospital to the prison setting (Leonard et al., 2020). The limited research that does exist indicates that many individuals still display significant psychotic symptoms upon transfer to prison. This is a point of concern as evidence suggests that these individuals are at greater risk of future violence, increasing their likelihood of reoffending and putting the safety of others at risk. This puts additional strain on mental health teams within prisons, who are often understaffed and short on resources, as well as secure hospitals that are currently experiencing bed shortages.
The aim of this research project is to increase understanding of this transition process. Individual interviews lasting approximately 45-60 minutes will be conducted with eight to twelve imprisoned individuals that have personally experienced the transition from secure hospital to prison. The researcher will analyse the thoughts, views, and perceptions of these individuals and their experiences to develop a theoretical understanding of the transition process. In doing so, the research findings may inform future policy and practice relating to the transition from hospital to prison, subsequently improving mental health outcomes for imprisoned individuals and relieving strain from forensic services.
REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
25/WA/0059
Date of REC Opinion
3 Apr 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion