Journal article
Smoking interventions within the hospital setting: A study of demand for smoking interventions and perceived efficacy of nurses in delivery of services
Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Vol.7(1), pp.52-56
1997
Abstract
Issues addressed: This study was motivated by the current need for tobacco interventions for inpatients and nursing staff within the hospital setting. In particular, whether inpatients considered quitting while in hospital, if they expected assistance and/or requested help from ward nurses was investigated. In addition, it sought to establish whether nurses considered they had a role in tobacco intervention and if so, whether they felt adequately prepared. The willingness of nurses to participate in ongoing tobacco intervention education and the type of educational program preferences was also explored in relation to current smoking status. Methods: A cohort of 60 patients and 100 nursing personnel were surveyed in the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane. Results: Of 569 inpatients, 19 per cent were current smokers and 39 per cent of ward nurses smoked. Of inpatients, 57 per cent considered quitting tobacco during hospital admission but only 5 per cent requested assistance. Sixty per cent of inpatients did not expect any assistance from hospital staff. Although infrequently asked for assistance, 51 per cent of ward nurses saw a "definite" nursing role in tobacco intervention, with a further 30 per cent considering a "probable" role. Non-smokers were more likely to support a nursing role in tobacco intervention than nurses who smoke (p<0.01). Fifty-six per cent of nurses felt inadequately prepared to implement smoking cessation interventions, although 85 per cent of nurses were willing to participate in ongoing education. The choice of educational intervention was also influenced by smoking status. Conclusion: There is a need to create a more supportive hospital environment for inpatients to assist those considering quitting to seek help. Their unsatisfied needs require a new approach which could involve ward nursing staff, many of whom see they have a role in tobacco intervention. Nurses recognise a need for further training. The development of additional program components, suitable for nurses who smoke, as a workplace intervention, is warranted. The development of improved hospital-based smoking cessation interventions for both patients and nursing personnel should be considered a priority. So what? Many hospital inpatients consider quitting smoking but few feel encouraged to do so or seek support. The positive attitude of nursing staff to participate in tobacco interventions should be further pursued. Nurse- delivered tobacco interventions should also include an intervention directed at nurses who smoke.
Details
- Title
- Smoking interventions within the hospital setting: A study of demand for smoking interventions and perceived efficacy of nurses in delivery of services
- Authors
- Gerald F X Feeney (Author) - Princess Alexandra HospitalAdrian Kelly (Author) - Princess Alexandra HospitalDianne K Griffin (Author) - Princess Alexandra HospitalRoss Young (Author) - Princess Alexandra Hospital
- Publication details
- Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Vol.7(1), pp.52-56
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- ISSN
- 2201-1617
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99553503002621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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