Bruce A Stevens1, Rhonda Shaw2, Peter Bewert3, Mavis Salt3, Rebecca Alexander1, Brendan Loo Gee1. 1. Charles Sturt University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 2. Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia. 3. Aged Care Plus Support Services, The Salvation Army, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The care of older prisoners is a growing problem. This review examined aged care interventions in prisons. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. A total of 1186 abstracts were screened for inclusion. Quantitative and qualitative studies were included. RESULTS: Two quantitative studies and five qualitative studies examined aged care interventions (n = 7). An intervention involving physical health activities was not effective in reducing distress compared to a control, and an intervention of psychosocial, physical and spiritual health activities for veterans was not effective when compared to a comparison group. Qualitative analysis generated themes that apply to best practices: addressing older prisoners' needs, identifying barriers for older prisoners and staff, considering the prison culture, program delivery and cultivating older prisoners and staff attitudes. CONCLUSION: This review found no significant interventions in prisons. However, the qualitative findings showed evidence of best practice.
OBJECTIVE: The care of older prisoners is a growing problem. This review examined aged care interventions in prisons. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. A total of 1186 abstracts were screened for inclusion. Quantitative and qualitative studies were included. RESULTS: Two quantitative studies and five qualitative studies examined aged care interventions (n = 7). An intervention involving physical health activities was not effective in reducing distress compared to a control, and an intervention of psychosocial, physical and spiritual health activities for veterans was not effective when compared to a comparison group. Qualitative analysis generated themes that apply to best practices: addressing older prisoners' needs, identifying barriers for older prisoners and staff, considering the prison culture, program delivery and cultivating older prisoners and staff attitudes. CONCLUSION: This review found no significant interventions in prisons. However, the qualitative findings showed evidence of best practice.