Smoking has been banned in enclosed public places in Scotland since 2006. However, unlike England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the law still exempts residential psychiatric units, permitting smoking in designated in-door areas. Despite the exemption, some mental health units in Scotland have made progress towards introducing smoke-free policies and, importantly, implementation guidance has recently been published (NHS Health Scotland 2011).
Concerned about the impact of environmental tobacco smoke on both patients and staff, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGG&C) introduced a smoke-free policy for in-patient psychiatric settings in 2007. Aware of issues raised in relation to the knowledge and attitudes of staff involved in the implementation of the smoke-free policy in England (e.g. Ratschen et al 2009; Aref-Adib & Karim 2010) we are seeking to explore these variables in staff working in psychiatric units in Scotland. Our aim is to determine whether staff require additional training to help them provide patients who are smokers with appropriate levels of support.
We are undertaking a cross-sectional survey of staff working in c.24 in-patient mental health units in NHSGG&C. To date, we have gathered data from 162 staff members working in 10 units. All data will be collected and analysed by May 2011. Preliminary analysis demonstrates that knowledge levels are limited and that staff often lack confidence in their ability to provide appropriate support.
The results will be used to inform staff training/education.
