Versorgungsforschung im Strafvollzug

General practice health services research in the prison system is highly relevant, particularly due to the vulnerability and strong dependency of the inmates receiving care. At the same time, it is subject to special regulations that differ significantly from those of research in the public healthcare system. This paper shows the challenges associated with healthcare research in the prison system and provides solutions for practical implementation.

In November 2023, a focus group interview was conducted with five experts from practice and science with experience in the field of prison health service research. The interview was analyzed using Mayring’s qualitative content analysis.

The analysis revealed specific challenges for the feasibility of health service research in the prison system. One barrier can be the time-consuming access to prisons. Federal regulations and, as a result, differences in the reality of care between the federal states make cross-state projects necessary. At the same time, the bureaucratic effort increases in these projects. In addition, the use of sensitive medical data from inmates requires strict data protection checks. Nevertheless, the motivation to support research projects is high among both care providers in prisons and prisoners.

Good networking with prison staff and the early involvement of criminological services are particularly relevant for the success of healthcare research in prisons. An exchange with external researchers (e.g. ,from one’s own subject area) with prison experience is also advisable.