Physical health of people in prison

Recommendation ID: NG57/2
Question: Chronic conditions:- What is the prevalence of disease in the UK prison population?
Any explanatory notes (if applicable): Why this is important:- At the time this guideline was published (November 2016), it was estimated that there were around 90,000 people in prison in the UK with an annual throughput of around 180,000. To date, there is little clear evidence of the prevalence of disease among people in prison. This was highlighted by our reviews of chronic conditions (for which there was no disease prevalence data) and when searching for prevalence data for the health economic model.
Systems are now in place that will allow the relevant data to be gathered to inform a longitudinal study. Such a study would provide a useful starting point for a better understanding of how to shape healthcare provided to people in prison, both in terms of:
- meeting the needs of the prison population and
- providing commissioners with priority areas for developing and delivering health services.

Source guidance details

Is this a recommendation for the use of a technology only in the context of research?	No
Is it a recommendation that suggests collection of data or the establishment of a register?	No
Last Reviewed	30/11/2016