Optimising patients’ medical care after prison in Luxembourg

Introduction : Passing through prison can be a health gain for the incarcerated population and release from prison can become a period of vulnerability where this potentially acquired gain is lost if the transition back to civil society in not anticipated. The main objective was the identification and analysis of the factors favor and oppose primary care practice for patients leaving prison in Luxembourg. The secondary objective was to develop recommendations based on the key findings through a literature’s review. Methods : A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with general practitioners and patient-inmates. The questions from the two interview guides were similar so that the analysis allowed the results to be mirrored.
Using the interviews’ transcripts, a categorical thematic content analysis of those was conducted based on the objectives. On the basis of verbatim, items were formulated and grouped into dimensions and then themes. Results : Our analysis has highlighted the lack of links between the prison and the outside world at each stage of medical and psychosocial care from the point of view of care and support proposed in prison until prison release. Recommendations for doable improvements have been proposed, such as the creation of a general practitioners’ network continuing the medical care as well as genuine cooperation with organisations dealing with drug addicts. Conclusion : Reforms concerning prison care should be considered between the system of prison release, the creation of socio-medical relays and alternatives to incarceration, in analogy to the transitions clinics found in the United States