Care and companionship in an isolating environment: inmates attending to dying peers

The purpose of this study was to examine the values, beliefs, and perceptions of end-of-life (EOL) care held by inmates caring for peers approaching the end of their lives. The study is part of a broader participatory action research project to infuse enhanced EOL care into state prisons. Face-to-face interviews using a semistructured discussion guide were conducted with 17 male prisoners who were providing care for peers with advanced chronic illness and approaching end of life. Qualitative data were analyzed using content and thematic analyses. Key themes were getting involved, living the role, and transforming self through caring for others. As well, contextual features at the organizational, peer, and personal levels were identified, which either facilitated or impeded inmate caregiving. Provision of enhanced EOL care by inmate peers shows promise for improving prison community relations and morale, reducing suffering, and demonstrating care and compassion within the harsh prison environment. This study provides clear evidence that providing compassionate care for dying peers may result in transformative experiences for inmate caregivers. Implications for correctional nursing practice include providing training for inmate caregivers, including them in team meetings, and implementing grief support programs. Also, upholding nursing's code of ethics and watching for predatory behavior are critical.

This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced version of an article accepted for publication in Journal of Forensic Nursing. The published version of record [Care and Companionship in an Isolating Environment. Journal of Forensic Nursing 9, 1 p35-44 (2013)] is available online at: 10.1097/JFN.0b013e31827a585c.

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Work Title Care and companionship in an isolating environment: inmates attending to dying peers
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Open Access
Creators
  1. Susan J. Loeb
  2. Christopher S. Hollenbeak
  3. Janice Penrod
  4. Carol A. Smith
  5. Erin Kitt-Lewis
  6. Sarah B. Crouse
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved)
Work Type Article
Publisher
  1. Journal of Forensic Nursing
Publication Date January 2013
Publisher Identifier (DOI)
  1. https://doi.org/10.1097/JFN.0b013e31827a585c
Deposited December 17, 2023

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Version 1
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  • Created
  • Added Loeb_et_al_2013_Journal_of_Forensic_Nursing-1.pdf
  • Added Creator Susan J. Loeb
  • Added Creator Christopher S. Hollenbeak
  • Added Creator Janice Penrod
  • Added Creator Carol A. Smith
  • Added Creator Erin Kitt-Lewis
  • Added Creator Sarah B. Crouse
  • Published
  • Updated Work Title, Publication Date Show Changes
    Work Title
    • Care and companionship in an isolating environment
    • Care and companionship in an isolating environment: inmates attending to dying peers
    Publication Date
    • 2013-01-01
    • 2013-01
  • Updated