What is the issue for NSW?
It is well established that people in New South Wales prisons have poor health and higher social needs compared to those in the broader community. People in prison have higher rates of both physical and mental health issues. Recent research has shown that people in prison also have lower health literacy, that is, how they access, utilise, review, learn and use health information and services to look after their own health. Currently, no research has been undertaken to see if improved health literacy can improve the health of people in prison.
Health services provided in prison can face problems because of the environment and can be impacted by legislative requirements and existing mistrust or lack of engagement, as well as access times and reliance on other services. Many health services and interventions were not designed for people in prison, and may not work as intended or may need to be modified. This research explores whether using a co-design approach to health literacy interventions helps people in prison to access the healthcare they need.
What does the research aim to do and how?
The research aims to test the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of the Ophelia process to co-design health literacy actions and solutions in NSW prisons. By using the insights from a previous health literacy needs assessment and building upon suggestions provided by stakeholders the research team will develop interventions aimed at mitigating the healthcare-related challenges faced by people in prison. Researchers will work with stakeholders to prioritise, test and refine identified actions and solutions at a pilot site, followed by implementation and evaluation of the interventions at an additional two sites.