An evaluation of a smoke free environment policy in two Sydney hospitals.
The Central Sydney Area Health Service introduced an Area-wide Smoke Free Environment Policy in May 2000, prohibiting smoking (except in designated areas) and requiring nursing and medical staff to manage nicotine withdrawal in their patients. This study assessed one aspect of the policy implementation process, by following up 68 hospitalised smokers after discharge, who were recruited through pre-admission clinics from two hospitals. Thirty-five percent of smokers recalled being told about the policy, 22% recalled being told information about designated smoking areas and 19% smoked whilst hospitalised. More than a third of inpatient smokers had problems with not smoking, or smoked while in hospital.
NSW Public Health Officer Training Program, NSW Department of Health.
Melanie Jean
MJ
Boomer
Chris
C
Rissel
D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006272:Health Facility Environment; D006786:Hospitals, Urban / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D011939:Mental Recall; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D009538:Nicotine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D016134:Organizational Policy; D017064:Process Assessment, Health Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D000074606:Smoking Prevention
D009538:Nicotine