Description: This research examines palliative care provision for incarcerated persons in Belgium, focusing on their experiences, challenges, and needs, as well as those of their families, caregivers, and prison officers. Within an institution marked by institutional thoughtlessness, balancing care and custody presents significant challenges. The study has three primary objectives:
Understanding palliative care provision in prisons by examining the number and profile of incarcerated individuals in need of such care and assessing the use of compassionate release.
Exploring the diverse experiences and challenges of delivering and receiving palliative care in prison settings.
Developing concrete actions for practical improvements based on input from relevant actors.
Using Participatory Action Research (PAR), the study employs multiple methods, including content analysis, interviews, participatory observations, and focus groups. It will be conducted in two Belgian prisons with a high incidence of non-suicidal deaths. Through collaborative analysis and action planning, the research aims to provide policy recommendations and improve palliative care in prisons.
This interdisciplinary study is a collaboration between Ghent University and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and is funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO). By bridging healthcare and criminology, it addresses a critical gap in the understanding and enhancement of palliative care for incarcerated patients, ultimately advocating for improved end-of-life care for this vulnerable population.
Coordinators: An-Sofie Vanhouche (VUB), Kristel Beyens (VUB), Katrien Vanthomme (UGent)
Researchers: Lennert De Boe
Partner: UGent: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care
Funding: PhD fellowship fundamental research Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO)
Duration: 2024 – 2028