BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of smoking among clients with psychiatric disorders and the effect of smoking on metabolism of psychiatric medications has been documented. Implementation of inpatient smoking policies that alter smoking patterns may affect symptom presentation and medication metabolism.
OBJECTIVE: Variations in how smoking policies are implemented on psychiatric units are described.
DESIGN: A telephone survey of nurses working on 32 psychiatric units was used to collect information about how smoking policies were implemented.
RESULTS: Most (n = 23) units allowed smoking only in designated areas outside the facility. Smoking frequency varied widely, ranging from twice a day to anytime, and some units placed restrictions on the number of cigarettes that could be smoked at each opportunity.
CONCLUSION: The large variation in how smoking policies are implemented warrants further research. Smoking policies may alter smoking practices that affect psychotropic medication blood levels, side effects, and symptom presentation.
