Smoke-free Initiatives in Psychiatric Inpatient Units: A national Survey of Australian Sites. An Independent Report.

A previous systematic review of the existing research in this field (Lawn & Pols, 2005) revealed a number of core principles required for successful implementation of smoke-free policy in psychiatric inpatient units. This current survey confirmed the applicability of these core principles which included the importance of clear and consistent leadership, team cohesion across professional disciplines, effective use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and incorporation of nicotine withdrawal management into routine clinical management, preparation, education and training of staff, and the importance of staff smoking status. These and other core themes are discussed in this report. A number of case studies are provided together with a checklist of steps to ensure success in going smoke-free based on the lessons learned from the experience of sites in this sample. This survey found that smoke-free policy is possible within psychiatric inpatient settings, but that a number of core interlinking features are important for success and ongoing sustainability.