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Evaluation of the sensitivity of the Health Screening of People in Police Custody (HELP-PC) tool in Northumbria Police

Lookup NU author(s): Thomas Cranshaw, Dr Iain McKinnonORCiD

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Abstract

This paper presents an evaluation of a new health screening tool implemented in 2016by Northumbria Police. The aim of the study was to determine the sensitivity of the toolin detecting physical and mental health conditions. Secondary aims were to produceuseful data on the prevalence of these conditions and onward referrals within custody.The tool was compared to a clinical interview carried out within the custody suite byresearch psychiatrists. Researchers spent a total of 64 days within the custody suiteand interviewed 177 participants. The tool performed variably, with 100% sensitivity fordiabetes, epilepsy and psychosis, however in other areas the sensitivity was lowersuch as for opioid dependency (18%). When compared to the pilot study of the toolthere is a non-significant trend towards improved sensitivity, with no areas in whichsensitivity has reduced. In comparison to a previous evaluation of an alternative tool,this tool has improved sensitivity for asthma (92 vs 49%, p <0.001), cardiovascularcomplaints (38 vs 2%, p <0.0001), head injury (72 vs 17%, p=0.004) and intellectualdisability (82 vs 25%, p=0.016).


Publication metadata

Author(s): Cranshaw T, Austin H, Moore J, Evans E, Rauf S, Groom F, Mannix E, Whitehouse E, McKinnon I

Publication type: Article

Publication status: In Press

Journal: International Journal of Law and Psychiatry

Year: 2025

Acceptance date: 22/04/2025

ISSN (print): 0160-2527

ISSN (electronic): 1873-6386

Publisher: Elsevier Ltd


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