A qualitative study on the factors impeding the implementation of evidence-based mental health practices in correctional facilities

Abstract

This three-paper dissertation examines a grounded theory qualitative study conducted with 6 (n=6) New York State formerly employed correctional officers. In all the analyses, a grounded theory approach was used to define themes into more prominent and significant themes, using open, axial, and selective coding. All study participants sample of completed a demographic screening questionnaire (Appendix A) as well as semi-structured interviews (Appendix B) with previously employed correctional officers, which examines the barriers preventing the implementation of evidence-based mental health practice for mentally ill offenders while incarcerated. In all analysis Grounded Theory is used to examine the themes arising from the interviews involving provider barriers, policy barriers, and geographic barriers. All three papers are informed by the Theoretical Frameworks RNR and GLM, examining provider barriers (paper 1), examining policy barriers (paper 2), and geographic barriers (paper 3). Further discussion and study limitations to the study are delineated throughout the three papers, in addition limitations are also included within the introduction and conclusion sections throughout the dissertation.