An intervention was adapted for use within a prison environment from the trial of
Collaborative Care for older adults with depression in primary care community
settings (Burroughs, 2008; Chew-Graham et al., 2007) and McCurran et al’s
(1999) nursing home intervention. Prisoners were screened for depression, and
randomised into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received
the intervention in a 12−week period staggered over 12 months. The control group
received treatment as usual. Efficacy was assessed by regular assessments of
depression and functioning. Feasibility of carrying out this intervention was
assessed in a process evaluation. Semi-structured interviews provided data on
factors promoting or inhibiting the introduction of the intervention. Staff diaries
documenting the amount of time spent on the intervention in their working week
was used to examine the feasibility of providing the intervention in addition to
regular duties.