Different perspectives of prison guards and mental health workers in forensic care.

This study investigates the differences in treatment perspectives of prison guards and mental health practitioners within a Psychiatric Prison Unit (PPU). This qualitative study uses questionnaires and focus groups to explore the relationships between prison guards ( This study identified three main themes: policy, communication, and person-dependent factors. Understaffing and high turnover rates in the correctional facility led to prioritization of safety concerns over treatment objectives. Guards and mental health professionals had different communication styles which hindered the alignment of treatment goals. Person-dependent factors, including personality traits and individual attributes, were significant in shaping collaborative interactions. This study reveals agreement in the viewpoints between prison guards and mental health professionals but highlights the complex challenges in providing effective treatment within the confines of a correctional facility. These challenges are influenced by policy dynamics, communication limitations, and individual-specific factors.

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The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.