Systematic review of aged care interventions for older prisoners.

OBJECTIVE

The care of older prisoners is a growing problem. This review examined aged care interventions in prisons.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. A total of 1186 abstracts were screened for inclusion. Quantitative and qualitative studies were included.

RESULTS

Two quantitative studies and five qualitative studies examined aged care interventions (n = 7). An intervention involving physical health activities was not effective in reducing distress compared to a control, and an intervention of psychosocial, physical and spiritual health activities for veterans was not effective when compared to a comparison group. Qualitative analysis generated themes that apply to best practices: addressing older prisoners' needs, identifying barriers for older prisoners and staff, considering the prison culture, program delivery and cultivating older prisoners and staff attitudes.

CONCLUSION

This review found no significant interventions in prisons. However, the qualitative findings showed evidence of best practice.