The role and effectiveness of occupational therapy in prison rehabilitation programs: systematic review

Purpose The purpose of this study was to research studies in the literature regarding the role of the occupational therapist within penitentiary facilities. Design/methodology/approach The study design is a systematic review using five different databases. Findings Findings can therefore ascertain the potential role of occupational therapists in penitentiary institutions because they can contribute to the rehabilitation of prisoners both inside and outside prisons with a view to their reintegration into society. Research limitations/implications It is necessary for clinical practice, and especially to increase the health of people within prisons, to update the occupational therapist interventions in the literature that are effective within prisons. Practical implications According to this study, the intervention of occupational therapists in the prison setting reduces recidivism and contributes to social and work reintegration. This has positive effects in terms of costs related to incarceration. Originality/value Findings can therefore ascertain the potential role of occupational therapists in penitentiary institutions because they can contribute to the rehabilitation of prisoners both inside and outside prisons with a view to their reintegration into society.