Smokefree policies in mental health inpatient settings
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Complete smokefree policies in mental health inpatient settings: Qualitative exploration of the impact on smoking behaviour and the role of electronic cigarettes
IRAS ID
265412
Contact name
Elena Ratschen
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Tobacco smoking is one of the leading preventable causes of death in the UK. Smoking prevalence in those with a mental illness is in excess of three times that of the general population (40-80% vs 16%), substantially increasing risks of smoking-related mortality. Resultantly, NICE recommends that all mental health settings be entirely smokefree, with no smoking breaks facilitated and evidence-based treatment for temporary abstinence and smoking cessation made available to patients. Implementation approaches and support offered to smokers, however, varies across trusts, with the extent and likely impact of this is unknown. Moreover, due to a lack of evidence on electronic cigarette use in populations with mental illness, no recommendations were included about electronic cigarettes in NICE guidance on smokfree (PH48). With evidence emerging of the relative safety of electronic cigarettes and their potential for harm reduction in heavily tobacco-dependent smokers in vulnerable populations, many mental health Trusts permit their use during inpatient stays (often restricted to certain areas of the ward), and some actively promote it. A recent CRUK funded evaluation of the impact of policy implementation raised two primary questions 1) How does admission to a smokefree mental health treatment ward change patients’ smoking behaviour and attitudes during and after the inpatient stay? 2) What is the role of electronic cigarettes in the implementation of smokefree policies in mental health inpatient settings? \n\nThe purpose of this research is to address this second question (research to explore the first question is already underway, using a CRUK-funded repeat-measure survey design)with the aim of increasing understanding of factors that can maximise the potential of smokefree policies and informing further implementation guidance in this under-researched area. In order to do this, the study will use qualitative observations on adult acute mental health wards and qualitative interviews with patients and staff
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/YH/0243
Date of REC Opinion
19 Aug 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion