Healthcare Services for Inmates in Europe

Abstract

Healthcare provision in European prisons is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of incarceral systems. This thesis is done to shed light on the nature of healthcare services for inmates, exploring their needs, challenges, and the overall state of healthcare within prisons. The purpose of this thesis is to produce information about how inmates’ healthcare system is working in Europe. The aim of the thesis is to enhance awareness about inmates’ healthcare. With the results of thesis, healthcare professionals gain information about the healthcare of inmates. Utilizing a descriptive literature review methodology, this study examines a range of sources in Finnish and English languages, focusing on publications within the last decade. With the keywords "Inmate healthcare," a total of 138 results were found. When narrowing the search criteria to publications from the last 10 years, there were a total of 64 results. Options that were located outside of Europe were excluded from the search results. The target group comprises healthcare professionals working or interested in inmate care. Through the analysis of various articles, key themes emerge; empathy and services for incarcerated individuals, building a foundation for inmate rehabilitation and well-being and prioritizing care and prevention in European prisons. By prioritizing preventive care and proactive healthcare strategies, this research emphasizes the potential to improve inmates' well-being while alleviating strain on prison resources. Ultimately, the 2 (45) findings of this thesis contribute to a better understanding of healthcare in European prisons and offer insights.