The IP-SIS study (Improving Primary Care Services for Imprisoned Women with Severe Mental Illness) is currently exploring the range of primary care services delivered to imprisoned women with severe mental illness (SMI) in England and describe what is working well and the barriers to accessing care. This research will illustrate the experiences of imprisoned women with SMIs and identify differential needs of racially minoritised women.  Through this study, the research team intends to develop a framework for use in women’s prison services to support the primary care of racially minoritised women with SMI.

The IP-SIS study is also proud to have established a Lived Experience Advisory Group with individuals with lived prison experience, who provide guidance and expert advice to the development and delivery of the research.

As part of Phase 1 of the IP-SIS study, the team are now recruiting Primary Care Practitioners (nurses, GPs etc) who have worked or currently work in female prisons in England to explore current provision and potential inequalities of physical and mental health services for imprisoned women with SMI across ethnic groups in women’s prisons. Primary Care Practitioners will be invited to a semi-structured interview, lasting no longer than 45 minutes. This will be digitally-recorded and transcribed with consent.

The results of Phase 1 will inform Phase 2 (discussion groups with imprisoned women) and Phase 3 (consensus groups with prison healthcare and nonclinical staff) of the study.

If you are a Primary Care Practitioner, who have worked or currently work in female prisons in England, and wish to participate in Phase 1 of this study, please feel free to contact gloria.m.roden-lui@durham.ac.uk

If you wish for more information about the study, please visit the ISRCTN Registry https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN10216673

Research Team:

Principal Investigators: Professor Tammi Walker and Professor Carolyn Chew-Graham

Co-applicants: Ms Paula Harriott, Dr Hannah King, Dr Jake Hard and Dr Emma Mastrocola

Research Associate/Staff: Ms Gloria Roden-Lui

Funding: National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) – Research for Patient Benefit Programme (NIHR206780).

Lead: Durham University

Collaborators: Keele University, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and Unlock.

IRAS Number: 342813