A campus wide No Smoking Policy within a hospital setting staff perceptions. Vivienne Tennant Vivienne.Tennant@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Background In 2005, the then Scottish Executive issued guidance to NHS Boards across Scotland No Smoking ban implemented in ALL GG&C sites in 2007 Poor compliance by staff, patients and visitors 2012 marked a re-launch of the No Smoking Policy Including a high profile publicity campaign and the development of an associated Protocol for compliance.
Aim of the study Aim: To elicit the views of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde staff who smoke, on the adoption and implementation of the No Smoking Policy and the supporting Smoke - Free Protocol. Ascertain staff knowledge on the reasons for the development of No Smoking Policy and Protocol Determine if staff feel the adoption of the Policy and Protocol will help to reduce non-compliance of the No Smoking Policy. Determine staff experience of the implementation of the No Smoking Policy and new Protocol.
Study Design Design: Qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews. Sample: 15 Participants. Purposive sampling hospital sites only. Domestic staff, Catering staff, Estates staff and Portering staff. Analysis: Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Setting: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde acute hospitals, including Gartnavel General Hospital and Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Sample Demographics 10 female, 5 participants male. All daily smokers All over the age of 35. 9 participants 9 Domestic staff, 2 Porters, 1 Catering, 3 Estates. 4 participants stated they had supervisory/managerial roles.
Findings of the Study ALL participants were aware of the No Smoking Policy. ALL participants were aware of the smoking restrictions imposed by the Board ALL participants gave a rationale as to why this ban was in place Participants were less accepting of the Policy in view of their own smoking behavior, Most believed that the ban was a risk to health and safety
Key themes from findings Acceptability of the No Smoking Policy Thoughts on the implementation and enforcement of the NO Smoking Policy Habit or addiction Smoking cessation support provision for staff Risk denial
Acceptability of Policy All participants gave a clear rationale for the implementation of the Policy we ll ah think it s a good Policy and I m a smoker, ah mean there s nothing more disgusting than people standing at the front door, the smell travels through the hospital it s disgustin Acceptability was not shared when discussing their own smoking habits by the time yiv done aw that (walking) you ve missed yer lunch and that s it, I m nae the only one, but hae in a cigarette is more important than eating, its an addiction, simple as at
Enforcement of the Policy Clear steps outlined within the Policy to deal with breaches Some participants did not know about the supporting Protocol developed to help Policy implementation. Inconsistent enforcement by managers was noted Perceptions of personal smoking affected enforcement by supervisors and managers Its difficult, you know?...they aw ken I smoke so what can you do, its double standards? Mixed views regarding the smoking was
Habit or Addiction? Debate which was reflected clearly during the interviews. Most participants felt that there was a lack of concern from the Board on the addictive nature of smoking All I know is that of you get caught smoking you get disciplined, but how can they discipline someone who has an addiction? Sympathised with those who were elderly of disabled
Smoking cessation provision Varying answers around smoking cessations support available its everywhere the smoking cessation, things like that they tell you right away at induction about it, I just say go to Occupational Health Time off to attend cessation support was not widely publicised by managers Fear of work pilling up when attending sessions Och the hassle (shift patters) och, I just gave up trying Confidence over quitting
Electronic Cigarettes Mixed views on the banning of E-CIGS Managers/Supervisors provided clear rationale Staff could not provide a rationale
Recommendations Cut down to quit programme established for staff The Smoking Policy should be fairly enforced to staff, visitors and patients alike Managers and Supervisors should be issued with Enforcement Guidance Appropriate signage for smoking cessation support staff intranet front page, lifts and corridor areas Managers and supervisors must be consistantly following Policy to offer support to staff to stop smoking
Two years on Supporting staff to manage their smoking and not necessarily to quit Provision of smoking cessation support Awareness of Policy has increased Decreased numbers of staff smoking within the hospital grounds. Changes are under consideration regarding E-CIG usage.