Friederike D Wernz, Hubertus M Friederich, Gerhard Buchkremer, Anil Batra
Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift (1946) 2009The high smoking prevalence among psychiatric patients and staff in psychiatric hospitals explains the difficulties in accompanying efforts for the introduction of regulations for a smoke-free environment. Prior to the establishment of regulations for a smoke-free psychiatric department at the University Hospital, Dept. of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in Tubingen, a democratic process was initiated. A first survey achieved a high response rate and indicated a high level of acceptance of the introduction of smoke-free regulations. A task group formulated a set of internal smoking policies and regulations, including the location of smoke-free zones and options to support smoking cessation initiatives. Further surveys documented a majority signalling acceptance of the smoking restrictions and an increasing number of non-smokers. In conclusion, it is possible to successfully regulate smoking in a psychiatric facility by involving the staff in the process.
Friederike D Wernz, Hubertus M Friederich, Gerhard Buchkremer, Anil Batra. Acceptance of smoke-free policy in a psychiatric department by in-patients and staff]. Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift (1946). 2009;159(1-2):33-9
PMID: 19225733
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