The Impact of Opening a Smoking Room on Psychiatric Inpatient Behavior Following Implementation of a Hospital-Wide Smoking Ban

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric patients are significantly more likely to smoke than mentally healthy persons, presenting a challenge for inpatient psychiatric care when smoking bans are instituted. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of opening a smoking room within a psychiatric unit following a hospital smoking ban. STUDY DESIGN: A staff survey and a chart review of 180 inpatient admissions before and after the opening of a smoking room. RESULTS: Patient records revealed no significant differences between recorded indices of disruptive patient behavior before or after the smoking room opening. The staff survey identified a perceived beneficial impact on unit atmosphere, where less time was spent discussing smoking privileges and off-unit privileges were granted more appropriately. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a smoking room failed to reduce indices of disruptive patient behavior. Despite the absence of objective evidence, the attitude among staff was in support of allowing patients to smoke on the unit.