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How do policymakers interpret and implement the principle of equivalence with regard to prison health? A qualitative study among key policymakers in England

Ismail, Nasrul; De Viggiani, Nick

How do policymakers interpret and implement the principle of equivalence with regard to prison health? A qualitative study among key policymakers in England Thumbnail


Authors

Nasrul Ismail Nasrul.Ismail@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Lecturer - CHSS - HSS - UPHH0001



Abstract

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2018. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. Background The principle of equivalence in prison health has been established for nearly four decades. It seeks to ensure that prisoners have access to the same level of healthcare as members of society at large, which is entrenched within the international legal framework and England's national health policies. Aims This study examined how key policymakers interpret and implement the principle of equivalence in English prisons. It also identified opportunities and threats associated with the application of the principle. Methods In total, 30 policymakers took part in this research. These participants engaged in policymaking activities and occupied positions of authority in the prison field. Results Despite the policymakers' consensus on the importance of the equivalence principle, there was a varying degree of understanding regarding what constitutes 'equivalence'. Participants described how the security culture impedes prisoners' access to healthcare services. Additionally, the increasing size and complexity of the prison population, coupled with a diminishing level of resources, reduce the level of care being provided in prisons and thus compromise implementation of equivalence in English prisons. Conclusions Inconsistent interpretation of equivalence, the prevailing security drive, increasing numbers and health complexities of prisoners and fiscal austerity threaten the implementation of equivalence in English prisons. This research calls for new guidance on how to interpret and implement equivalence, along with measures to educate prison governors and staff on the prison rehabilitation value, ensure greater investment in prison health and consider alternatives to imprisonment to future-proof the principle of equivalence in the English prison system.

Citation

Ismail, N., & De Viggiani, N. (2018). How do policymakers interpret and implement the principle of equivalence with regard to prison health? A qualitative study among key policymakers in England. Journal of Medical Ethics, 44(11), 746-750. https://doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2017-104692

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jun 22, 2018
Online Publication Date Jul 12, 2018
Publication Date Nov 1, 2018
Deposit Date Jul 13, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Journal of Medical Ethics
Print ISSN 0306-6800
Electronic ISSN 1473-4257
Publisher BMJ Publishing Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 44
Issue 11
Pages 746-750
DOI https://doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2017-104692
Keywords equivalence, prison health, prison, World Health Organization, healthy prisons, health promotion, medical ethics, bioethics, public health ethics.
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/857995
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2017-104692
Additional Information Additional Information : This is the author's accepted manuscript. The final published version is available here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2017-104692.

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