Smoke-Free Hospital Follow-up Satisfaction Studies – 10/11/06

Q:

1. Does anyone know of any hospitals with smoke-free campus and grounds that have done a follow-up study about patient satisfaction or employee satisfaction surveys?
    
2. Is there any evidence of decline in revenues after implementing a smoke free campus?
    
   Note: The requestor has a hospital in one of their counties contemplating going to a smoke free campus (and grounds) and the hospital is asking for proof that this will not negatively affect their operation.

A:

1. Alabama: We have a number of hospitals that have smoke-free campuses, but not aware of any studies. Some of the hospitals that are smoke-free are:
   1. Mobile Infirmary Medical Center
   2. Springhill Memorial Medical Center in Mobile
   3. Providence Hospital in Mobile
   4. University of South Alabama in Mobile
   5. Andalusia Hospital in Andalusia
   6. Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham
   7. Medical Center East-Smoke in Alabaster
       
2. Michigan: Cynthia Cary at Upstate Medical University (State University of NY at Syracuse) has just completed a follow up survey. She can be reached at caryc@upstate.edu or 315-464-4426.
    
3. North Carolina: North Carolina has a Healthy Hospital initiative with much success in tobacco free hospital policy. Go to http://www.quitnownc.org/ and see NEWS column on the right.
    
4. Wyoming: These answers are a brief synopsis of what is taking place in Cody, WY. On November 16th, 2006 West Park Hospital will become tobacco-free campus wide. This has been an 18 month process. I presented it first to the hospital board and received approval to move forward. My first step was to complete an employee survey to find out what might be the biggest obstacles in becoming tobacco free. Amazingly, there so very few against it that this didn't seem to pose a problem. Next came the education portion. I set up displays every other month and of course utilized the hospital biweekly update for continued information and education. We have set up a cessation class that is held weekly and is free to all hospital employees with the desire to quit. The Great American Smokeout date was actually picked by the hospital board as we were totally tobacco free last GASO in support of that day. I believe that developing relationships and educating all concerned has benefited this hospital to move forward in this endeavor and I'm actually glad that we took the time (18 months) to complete. It will be no surprise to anyone working here or receiving services here (i.e., visitors, patients, etc.). Contact me again about March and I will tell you how it has come along but at this point the grumbling has definitely subsided and most folks are on board. The hospital does/will have a very well written policy in place at this time. I have reviewed it and it is clear as to the expectations of hospital policy in regards to tobacco use. I do not foresee any negative consequences to hospital operations. Also, the hospital in Powell (Powell Valley Healthcare) went to a smoke-free campus on July 4, 2006 and love the outcome. There grounds and outside sitting areas are much nicer and it has a healthier appearance for all to enjoy.

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