Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Assessment of the Perceptions and Opinions of Staff Working of Prisons and Detention Centers on the Use of Psychoactive Substances in Prisons and Harm Reduction (PERRCEP)

This study is asking staff who work in prisons and detention centers in Brittany, France, for their views on drug use and methods to reduce harm from drugs in these facilities. It's called 'PERRCEP' and uses an anonymous questionnaire to collect their opinions. The main goal is to understand what staff think and feel about these important issues, and to identify any training needs. Researchers also want to find out what factors might help these harm reduction measures work better. Ultimately, the study hopes to improve understanding and support for practices that make prisons safer for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Brest

Enrolment target

800

Start

01 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

01 May 2025

Harm Reduction Prisoners

What is this study about?

This study is a project in France that aims to understand what staff working in prisons and detention centers in the Brittany region think about drug use within these facilities. They also want to understand their opinions on 'harm reduction' – which refers to different strategies and approaches designed to reduce the negative health, social, and economic consequences of drug use without necessarily stopping consumption altogether. Examples might include providing clean needles or education on safer drug use practices.

The researchers believe that understanding staff perspectives is really important. Their views can influence how these strategies are put into place and how effective they are. By gathering this information, the study hopes to find out if there are any gaps in understanding or training, and what might help staff better support and implement harm reduction measures.

Ultimately, the goal is to use this information to improve general knowledge and support for harm reduction initiatives in prisons. This could lead to better training for staff, which in turn could make these facilities safer and healthier environments for both staff and prisoners. It’s about making a positive change based on the real-world experiences and opinions of those on the frontline.

Key takeaways

The study assesses opinions of prison staff on drug use and harm reduction.
It aims to understand training needs and improve safety in prisons.
Participation involves completing a single, anonymous questionnaire.
Your responses will be kept confidential and cannot be traced back to you.
Taking part is voluntary and will not affect your employment.
The findings could lead to better support and training for prison staff.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for staff members who work at specific prisons and detention centers in Brittany, France. These include the remand centers in Brest, Vannes, Rennes, Saint-Malo, Lorient, and Saint-Brieuc, as well as the detention centers in Lorient and Rennes.

To take part, you just need to be an adult (18 years or older) working at one of these locations and have completed the anonymous questionnaire for the study.

You cannot participate if you do not wish to be part of the study, or if you are under a legal protection measure (meaning someone else legally manages your affairs).

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you work at one of the listed prisons or detention centers in Brittany, France?
Are you able and willing to complete an anonymous questionnaire?
Are you not under any legal protection measure?
Do you wish to participate in the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your prison or detention center agrees to take part, you'll be given an anonymous questionnaire to fill out. You'll also receive a letter explaining more about the study. After you've completed the questionnaire, you'll place it in an provided envelope and then into a sealed box. A member of the study team will then collect these boxes once the answering period is over. Your answers will be typed into a computer program to be analysed, but your identity will remain completely secret. The study is a one-off completion of a questionnaire and will not involve any long-term follow-up or recurring visits for you.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal medical benefits or risks to you for taking part in this study, as it only involves completing an anonymous questionnaire about your opinions. Your answers will be kept completely confidential, so there's no risk of your views being linked back to you personally. The potential benefit is that your opinions could help improve understanding of drug use and harm reduction strategies in prisons, which could lead to better training for staff and safer environments in the future. Remember, taking part is entirely voluntary, and you are free to decide not to participate at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

Chu Brest
Verified postcode
Brest, France

Common questions

What is 'harm reduction' in this study?

Harm reduction refers to ways of reducing the negative effects of drug use, rather than just stopping it completely. This could include educational programs or providing resources that make drug use safer.

Will my answers be kept private?

Yes, absolutely. The questionnaire is anonymous, and your answers will not be linked back to you personally. They will be put into a sealed box and then analysed as part of a larger group of responses.

Do I have to take part?

No, taking part is completely voluntary. You do not have to participate if you don't want to, and it will not affect your job or standing in any way.

What will happen with the results of the study?

The results will be used to understand staff opinions and identify training needs regarding drug use and harm reduction in prisons. This information could help improve policies and support for staff in the future.

How long will it take to complete the questionnaire?

The study brief doesn't specify the exact time, but anonymous questionnaires are usually designed to be completed within a reasonable timeframe, probably less than an hour.