Implementing and complying with the Smoke-free Hospitals Project in Catalonia, Spain.
The objective of the study was to describe the implementation of measures for preventing tobacco consumption developed in the Catalan Network of Smoke-free Hospitals. Information from 25 hospitals that are actively involved in the Catalan Network of Smoke-free Hospitals (April 2004) was used. The degree of implementation of the Smoke-free Hospitals Project was analysed by means of the Self-Audit Questionnaire of the European Network for Smoke-free Hospitals; each hospital was analysed globally and according to the duration of its Network membership (<1 year: implementation stage; > or =1 year: consolidation stage). In terms of global indicators, there were high levels of commitment (64.8%), communication (74.7%), tobacco control (77.4%) and implementation of smoke-free environments (81.0%). A lower degree of implementation (<50%) was found in education and training, health promotion and healthy workplaces. According to the duration of Network membership, significant differences were observed for communication, environment, healthy workplaces and follow-up. Deficits were observed in areas such as specialist training and cessation support, and further input is required here. By identifying areas needing attention, providing a guide for policy development and by administering it periodically, one can ensure that progress is kept on track.
García
Montse
M
Cancer Prevention and Control Unit, Institut d'Investigacio Biomedicale Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Catalan Institute of Oncology, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain. mgarciam@iconcologia.net
Méndez
Elvira
E
Martínez
Cristina
C
Peris
Mercè
M
Fernández
Esteve
E
D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006761:Hospitals / Q000592:standards*; D011050:Policy Making; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control*
D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution