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Continuity of care for recently released prisoners with mental illness: a pilot randomised controlled trial testing the feasibility of a Critical Time Intervention

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 January 2012

M. Jarrett ,
G. Thornicroft ,
A. Forrester ,
M. Harty ,
J. Senior ,
C. King ,
S. Huckle ,
J. Parrott ,
G. Dunn  and
J. Shaw
M. Jarrett*
Affiliation:
Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK
G. Thornicroft
Affiliation:
Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK
A. Forrester
Affiliation:
HMP Brixton, South London and Maudsley Foundation Trust, London, UK
M. Harty
Affiliation:
South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK
J. Senior
Affiliation:
School of Community Based Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
C. King
Affiliation:
School of Community Based Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
S. Huckle
Affiliation:
South London and Maudsley Foundation Trust, London, UK
J. Parrott
Affiliation:
Oxleas Mental Health Trust, London, UK
G. Dunn
Affiliation:
School of Community Based Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
J. Shaw
Affiliation:
School of Community Based Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
*
*Address for correspondence: M. Jarrett, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, De Crespigny park, London, SE5 8AF. (Email: manuela.jarrett@kcl.ac.uk)
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Abstract

Aims.

Prisoners with mental illness on release from prison often face complex challenges with little support, leading to poor clinical and social outcomes. This feasibility study aimed to see whether a Critical Time Intervention (CTI) in the first weeks post-release effectively connects mentally ill prisoners with social, clinical, housing, and welfare services on leaving prison. The study took place in 2007 and involved local prisons in London and Manchester.

Methods.

A pilot randomised controlled trial in which CTI was compared to Treatment as Usual (TAU).

Results.

Sixty prisoners were randomised in the trial, with outcome measures completed on 23. A higher proportion of prisoners in CTI group were in contact with services at follow-up than those receiving TAU. CTI prisoners were significantly more likely to be receiving medication, and be registered with a General Practitioner (GP) than those in the TAU group.

Conclusions.

Continuity of care for prisoners with severe mental illness can be improved by working with them to identify their needs prior to release, and by assisting them to engage effectively to the necessary agencies in the community.

Keywords

Randomised Controlled TrialPrisonersCommunity Mental Health ServicesContinuity of care
Type
Original Articles
Information
Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences , Volume 21 , Issue 2 , June 2012 , pp. 187 - 193
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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