Effects of a smoke-free policy on an inpatient psychiatric unit

Objective - To evaluate prospectively the effects of a smoke-free policy on the behavioural functioning of patients in a locked adult inpatient psychiatric unit and on staff attitudes towards the policy. Methods - Data were collected on patient medication use and behavioural indices three months before and three months after policy implementation. Addition ally, unit staff completed a survey six months before and six months after policy implementation. Results -The smoke-free policy pro duced significantly fewer adverse effects than the staff had anticipated. Staff atti tudes also changed to favour a smoke free environment. Results of a follow up interview indicated that hospital admission in a smoke-free environment did not appear to alter the long term smoking behaviour of patients. Conclusions - Successful implementa tion of a smoke-free policy in a psy chiatric unit can be achieved with careful planning. (Tobacco Control 1995; 4: 372-379)