Citation

Ward J, Bailey D. J. Ment. Health 2013; 22(4): 306-316.

Affiliation

SASS , Durham University, Durham, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Informa Healthcare)

DOI

10.3109/09638237.2012.734645

PMID

23323726

Abstract

Background: Self-harm in custody is a well-researched phenomenon. This is particularly true for women in prison who demonstrate disproportionately high rates of self-harm. Despite the growing body of prison research, there has been a lack of service user involvement (SUI). Aims: To outline the first use of SUI in a custodial setting in developing care pathways for self-harm. Methodology: A participatory action research approach was used to engage women prisoners and staff. Results: Participants were able to identify strengths and weaknesses of current care pathways and offer suggestions for service development based upon their experience of receiving and delivering care. Conclusion: The authors conclude that despite participatory approaches being in their infancy in prisons the engagement of service users when aimed at effecting positive change can be successful.

Language: en