NCJ Number
224765
Journal
Journal of Correctional Health Care Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2008 Pages: 269-277
Date Published
October 2008
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article summarizes themes that arose from a 2007 correctional healthcare work group which reviewed the state of mental health research in correctional settings thus representing a broad perspective on the current state of the literature and knowledge in this area.
Abstract
Despite the diversity and experience of the group, this review was primarily impressionistic in nature and did not entail an attempt to thoroughly or systematically assess the literature. Nevertheless, the group discussion revealed many areas of broad consensus. The discussion highlighted opportunities and barriers in correctional mental health research and generated practical suggestions for prospective researchers. Five broad and overlapping content areas needing further investigation were epidemiology, research methodology, functional behaviors, efficacy of interventions, and safety. Barriers to conducting correctional research that were identified by the group included funding difficulties, resistance from stakeholders, restricted access to subjects, limited information technology, ethical concerns, and institutional review board (IRB) requirements. In March 2007, a national work group met to review the state of mental health research in correctional settings. Participants identified gaps in current knowledge and topics most in need of further research. This article reflects the exchange that took place during the work group and elaborates on some of the themes. References