The making of a smoke-free hospital may not be as easy as you think.
Literature describing experiences in the implementation of a smoke-free policy in a hospital suggests that, with careful preparation and close monitoring, a smoke-free policy can be successfully instituted. Despite this pervasive viewpoint, any hospital personnel considering the adoption of a smoke-free policy should be aware that the institution of such a policy may be quite difficult. The experience at University Hospital suggests that a strong policy statement, administrative support, and a comprehensive implementation plan have helped to achieve widespread compliance with the smoke-free policy among hospital employees. Unfortunately, the smoke-free policy has been less successful changing the smoking activities of the patients. Although others have not reported this compliance problem, we believe it is a real problem that many institutions will face. We present methods used to identify, combat, and monitor this compliance problem.
Passannante
M R
MR
Department of Preventive Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Newark.
Espenshade
J
J
Reichman
L B
LB
Hymowitz
N
N
Sia
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006739:Hospital Administration; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009515:New Jersey; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention