230 From vulnerability to socio-health reintegration: a Swiss pilot study of the transitional clinic for people released from prison

EP2.2, e-Poster Terminal 2, September 3, 2025, 13:05 - 14:00 Aims Incarceration disproportionately affects populations in vulnerable situation, such as migrants, often worsening chronic and mental health issues. While prison conditions can harm health and social status, access to care in detention may offer an opportunity to reconnect with healthcare. However, the transition to community life is known to be a particularly critical period, increasing risks of overdose, treatment interruption, and mortality. In Switzerland, migrants without legal status face systemic healthcare barriers upon release. A transitional clinic based on case management appears to be a promising approach. This pilot study aims to promote social and health reintegration of formerly incarcerated people, including those without residence permits on release, adapting, implementing and evaluating a transition clinic model, based on?the evidence-based Transitions Clinic Network (TCN) in the USA. Methods The study adopts an implementation research approach and is divided into four phases: (1) needs assessment through qualitative interviews and stakeholder consultation; (2) adaptation of the TCN model to the Swiss socio-health context; (3) pilot implementation in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team including health professionals, social workers and community agent with prison experience; (4) evaluation of feasibility, acceptability and potential health and social effects using a mixed-methods approach. Results This project will provide information on the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention in the Swiss context. Based on the effects demonstrated in the literature, the potential effects of the intervention in the Swiss context will focus on the following dimensions: Quality of life, psychological distress, substance use and related problems, healthcare use, attitudes towards treatment seeking and housing and food access. Conclusions Reducing health iniquities among people released from prison requires tailored, evidence-based interventions. Adapting the TCN model to Switzerland could mitigate post-release risks and improve long-term socio-sanitary reintegration, particularly for migrants in highly precarious situations.