Smoke-Free Hospitals in England: A Survey Study
Author Information
Author(s): Elena Ratschen, John Britton, Ann McNeill
Primary Institution: University of Nottingham
Hypothesis
What is the extent of smoke-free policy implementation in English NHS acute and mental health Trusts?
Conclusion
While smoke-free policies have been implemented in nearly all English NHS hospitals, exemptions are frequently granted and policy breaches are common.
Supporting Evidence
- 98% of Trusts reported smoke-free policies were implemented.
- 50% of acute and 78% of mental health settings allowed exemptions to the policies.
- Patients and visitors were observed smoking at 94% of acute sites visited.
Takeaway
Hospitals in England are mostly smoke-free, but many still allow smoking in certain areas, which can be confusing and lead to rule-breaking.
Methodology
The study used a questionnaire-based survey, supplemented by telephone interviews and site visits to assess smoke-free policy implementation.
Potential Biases
Responses may be biased as participants were responsible for implementing the policies they reported on.
Limitations
The study may have reporting bias due to the nature of the participants and the lack of responses from some Trusts.
Participant Demographics
Participants included Human Resources Directors and Chief Executives from 245 English NHS Trusts.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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