Supporting prison nurses: an action research approach to education.

Since April 2006, commissioning responsibility for healthcare services in public prisons has been fully devolved to NHS primary care trusts (PCTs), with the expectation that offenders will have access to the same range and quality of health services available to the wider population. In order to support prison nurses in meeting this goal, a PCT and university established a partnership, which used an action research approach to develop, instigate and evaluate a bespoke educational programme for nurses working in two local prisons. This article outlines the processes involved in the design and implementation of the programme. It also reports on findings from pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and focus groups with course participants, and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, which suggest that the innovation had a positive impact on the nurses' confidence, assertiveness, clinical expertise and approach to change. The article concludes that the action research project should continue, but its scope should now broaden to address educational support for healthcare assistants, collaborative learning between prison officers and prison nurses, and the implementation of clinical supervision and action learning sets.

Leadership skills for nurses working in the criminal justice system.

This article, the second in a five-part series, explores leadership skills for nurses working in the criminal justice system to effect change in service provision. The article discusses different leadership styles and distinguishes management from leadership. Factors that influence change are outlined, as is the need for emotional intelligence, teamwork and collaborative working. Change management, negotiating ability and conflict management are important skills that nurses should develop to become effective leaders.

Education and career opportunities for nurses in offender health care.

This article, the last in a five-part series, examines the education opportunities and career pathways available to nurses who work in the criminal justice system. The five articles in this series reflect the many challenges faced by nurses who provide health care in the prison setting and the varied complex and specialist skills needed to perform their role. These skills range from early intervention, health promotion, health needs assessment, nurse-led services and acute care, to advanced practice and non-medical prescribing.

Assessment of acutely ill patients in the criminal justice system.

This article, the third in a five-part series, explores the difficulties that nurses experience when dealing with an offender who becomes acutely ill within the prison setting. The authors compare and apply the recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, the National Patient Safety Agency and the Department of Health to offender health care. The article also explores how education and simulation can be used to equip nurses to deal with any difficulties they experience.