Using medication distribution lockers for prescribed medicines in prisons

This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

In this article…

• Problems associated with the supply of medicines in prisons

• Why the number of prisoners receiving prescribed medicines has increased

• How medicines distribution lockers were implemented to improve medicines safety and access

Key points

There are challenges involved in providing medicines for an increasing number of prisoners with healthcare needs

An innovative, biometric secured medical locker was successfully used for the first time in a UK prison

The locker enabled prisoners to manage some medications for themselves and was well received by prisoners and healthcare teams

It was proven to be accurate and flexible, reducing missed medications while saving time, frustration and stress

Abstract

The management of medications in prison is challenging for all involved but is required for an increasing number of prisoners. To improve outcomes for patients, healthcare and custodial staff, work was undertaken in prison to better understand the challenges. This was followed by a pilot of a specially designed medication distribution locker that allowed remote collection of in-possession medication at Her Majesty’s Prison Dovegate. Positive initial results support a wider rollout across the prison.