Using initiative to provide clinical intervention groups in prison: a process evaluation

Int Rev Psychiatry. 2011;23(1):70-6. doi: 10.3109/09540261.2010.544293.

Abstract

We present a process evaluation of a new anger control intervention within an urban remand prison in London, UK. An anger control group was created and run as an extension of the prison in-reach healthcare team, in order to meet the needs of prisoners. We evaluate the aims of the intervention, therapeutic methodology, administrative process, and post-intervention outcomes. We report change in anger scores (State Trait Anger Expression Inventory; STAXI-II), showing how a service of this type might deliver important benefits. Through the use of a focus group with the clinicians who ran the service, we have reflected on this process to inform the evaluation. We conclude that anger management may have a useful role in remand prisons, not just for violent offenders, but as part of a wider public health agenda. Resources for new prison healthcare groups are scarce, particularly in urban remand prisons, and clinicians may have to collaborate with other teams to provide a range of interventions. Following the expressed needs of the prisoner population promotes a strong uptake of clients. Prison health services operate within a complex and environment which restricts healthcare teams' ability to run groups. We provide recommendations on overcoming potential barriers to care.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anger*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services
  • Middle Aged
  • Prisoners / psychology*
  • Prisons / organization & administration
  • Psychological Tests
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult