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Prisoner Experiences of Prison Health in Scotland

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Issues and Innovations in Prison Health Research

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in Prisons and Penology ((PSIPP))

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the prison and post-prison-related healthcare experiences of male prisoners in order to better inform future policy.

Design: The study was a qualitative, phenomenological study using interpretive phenomenology.

Methods: Between April 2014 and April 2015. Narrative data were gathered in semi-structured interviews with N = 29 males within six weeks of their release from prison. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed (n = 9) or detailed field notes were made (n = 20) dependent on participant preference. Data were analysed using inductive phenomenological analysis.

Results: Analysis revealed four themes: (1) Meaning of health (2) Access to healthcare (3) The obfuscatory organisation (4) Vulnerability and hope.

Conclusion: The effectiveness of policy changes that were intended to ensure equity of access to NHS services for prisoners is questionable. A renewed commitment to, and tangible progress towards, providing equivalency in healthcare for prisoners is required.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. NHS Scotland, Edinburgh, UK

    James Fraser

Authors
  1. James Fraser
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Universtiy of Dundee, Dundee, UK

    Matthew Maycock

  2. Royal Holloway University of London, Surrey, Berkshire, UK

    Rosie Meek

  3. Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK

    James Woodall

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Fraser, J. (2021). Prisoner Experiences of Prison Health in Scotland. In: Maycock, M., Meek, R., Woodall, J. (eds) Issues and Innovations in Prison Health Research. Palgrave Studies in Prisons and Penology. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46401-1_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46401-1_6

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-46400-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-46401-1

  • eBook Packages: Law and CriminologyLaw and Criminology (R0)

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