Implementation of a smoke-free policy in a high secure mental health inpatient facility: staff survey to describe experience and attitudes

BMC Public Health

Vicki A Archer²  Shani Prosser⁴  Devon Indig¹  Angela M Hehir³ 

[1]School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia

[2]J&FMHN, Suite 302, Level 2, 152 Bunnerong Rd, Eastgardens, NSW, 2036, Australia

[3]Centre for Health Research in Criminal Justice, Justice and Forensic Mental Health Network (J&FMHN), Suite 302, Level 2, 152 Bunnerong Rd, Eastgardens, NSW, 2036, Australia

[4]J&FMHN, 1300 Anzac Parade, Malabar, NSW, 2036, Australia

关键词: Smoking;    Attitudes;    Staff;    Psychiatric hospital;    Smoke-free policy;   

Others  :  1162366
DOI  :  10.1186/1471-2458-13-315

 received in 2012-08-15, accepted in 2013-03-21,  发布年份 2013

【 摘 要 】

Background

In 2008, a new forensic hospital was opened as a totally smoke-free facility. This study describes the attitudes and experience of mental health professionals working in the high secure mental health facility three years after it was opened. It is part of a larger evaluation describing the experience of current and discharged hospital patients.

Methods

Quantitative data was collected using a survey of hospital staff (N = 111) with a 50% response rate. The survey collected demographic and smoking data to describe staff responses to statements relating to hospital smoking policy, patient care and staff support.

Results

Among staff surveyed, 13% were current smokers and 41% were ex-smokers (10% quit after commencing employment in the smoke-free hospital). Most (88%) preferred to work in a smoke-free environment, although this was significantly lower in smokers compared to non-smokers (39% vs. 95%). While most staff felt that the smoke-free environment had a positive impact on the health of patients (86%) and on themselves (79%), smokers were significantly less likely to agree. Just over half (57%) of staff surveyed agreed that patient care was easier in a totally smoke-free environment, although less smokers agreed compared to non-smokers. Staff who smoked were also significantly less likely to indicate they had sufficient support working in a smoke-free environment, compared to non-smokers (15% vs. 38%).

Conclusions

The staff surveyed supported the smoke-free workplace policy; most agreed that patient care was easier and that the policy did not lead to an increase in patient aggression. Implementation of a total smoking ban can result in positive health outcomes for patients and staff, and may influence some staff to quit. Staff who smoke have a less positive experience of the policy and require additional support.

【 授权许可】

   
2013 Hehir et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

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