Open AccessExperiences of COVID-19 isolation in Northern Ireland prisons: a qualitative study
Author(s) -
Ruth Gray,
Barry Rooney,
Clare Connolly
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of prisoner health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.421
H-Index - 18
eISSN - 1744-9219
pISSN - 1744-9200
DOI - 10.1108/ijph-09-2020-0076
Subject(s) - social isolation , prison , isolation (microbiology) , mental health , qualitative research , psychology , coping (psychology) , feeling , telepsychiatry , anxiety , loneliness , nursing , medicine , health care , psychiatry , telemedicine , social psychology , sociology , criminology , political science , social science , law , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Purpose The purpose of this study was to capture the experience of people after completing their period of COVID-19 14-day isolation in prison. This study used in-depth interviews to assess the impact of the restricted regime. Design/methodology/approach This was a cross-sectional qualitative study using an adapted regional survey to record people’s experiences of COVID-19 isolation on entry into prison. This study began in April 2020 and continued to run over eight months. A weekly capture of people’s stories was conducted using a convenience sample. A total of 168 people participated in the study, with in-depth interviews conducted by the health-care team. Content conceptual analysis was used to quantify and analyse the themes of impact of COVID-19 isolation. This information was then used to shape iterative health-care service development. Findings A number of key themes have emerged from the experiences of COVID-19 isolation, including connection, communication and support. Stories highlighted how isolation had exacerbated depression, anxiety or feelings of self-harm. This was amplified by the uncertainty of the pandemic and lack of information about accessing services in the altered prison regime. A priority for people in COVID-19 isolation was contact with family. Telephone calls and virtual visits were cited as mitigating the mental health impact of social isolation. People who felt supported by health-care or prison staff reported coping with their time in isolation better. Timely, accessible information was pivotal in support, leading to development of Engagement Lead check-ins on the isolation landings. It is crucial that a public health approach is core to the COVID-19 response in prisons. The thematic analysis of the experiences has enabled a focused understanding of the impact of COVID-19 isolation and an accountability of care provision through organisational collaboration and iterative improvements to service delivery. Originality/value There is a paucity of real-time evidence of the impact of restricted regimes in prison owing to COVID-19. This study gives an important insight.