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Independent Evaluation of the Integrated Drug Treatment System in Prisons

Robust evidence on the programme's effectiveness

About this study

NatCen has been commissioned by the Department of Health to evaluate the Integrated Drug Treatment System (IDTS) in prison. IDTS is a new initiative that aims to improve drug treatment services offered to drug users in prison. The findings will be published in 2012.

Timeline

Potential policy impact

This study is the first formal evaluation of the IDTS programme since it started in 2006. It will give Her Majesty's Prison Service and the NHS robust evidence regarding how effective the programme is. It will contribute to informing prison drug treatment policy and practice.

Method

The study combines in depth qualitative research with a quantitative survey. The research will involve:

• Stakeholders - professionals involved in the implementation and organisation of IDTS,
• IDTS staff - those at the frontline of IDTS delivery, such as GPs, CARATs, healthcare staff, and
• IDTS service users - drug users who have received IDTS in prison.

The evaluation consists of three work streams across 20 prisons:

• Qualitative focus groups and depth interviews to explore the process of implementation and early outcomes.
• A survey of IDTS service users in prison, some of whom will be followed up on release.
• Research by the Institute of Criminal Policy Research into the impact of IDTS on prison-management issues.

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