Abstract
Background
People with mental health issues are known to die disproportionately earlier than the general population due, in part, to higher smoking rates (DHSC, 2017; Williams et al., 2015). In response, guidance on smoking reduction was produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2013). This paper reports the process evaluation undertaken in two UK mental health NHS Trusts, following the implemented of nicotine management policies developed in response to this guidance.
Aim
To explore the implementation process and identify opportunities and challenges to normalising the changes.
Methods
A qualitative process evaluation of attitudes towards nicotine management policies and experiences of implementation took place. Data were collected between November 2016-April 2017, using semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of staff (n=51), members of partnering organisations (n=5), service users (n=5) and carers (n=2). Data from service users and carers were analysed together; as was data from staff and partnering organisations. Data were analysed thematically.
Results
Eight themes were identified across the staff data; five themes were identified from the service user experience data. Findings showed that while some staff and service users recognised the benefits of thorough preparation for such radical change, many staff reported receiving mixed messages about how they should act, especially when implementing the new policy when change was resisted. Where there was a culture of consistent support from senior staff, prioritisation and clear communication, becoming smokefree on-site was more likely to be normalised.
Conclusion
The opportunity exists to advocate for change to smoking behaviour in mental health trusts. However, even when change is initiated by national guidance, challenges remain when embedding new ways of behaving.
People with mental health issues are known to die disproportionately earlier than the general population due, in part, to higher smoking rates (DHSC, 2017; Williams et al., 2015). In response, guidance on smoking reduction was produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2013). This paper reports the process evaluation undertaken in two UK mental health NHS Trusts, following the implemented of nicotine management policies developed in response to this guidance.
Aim
To explore the implementation process and identify opportunities and challenges to normalising the changes.
Methods
A qualitative process evaluation of attitudes towards nicotine management policies and experiences of implementation took place. Data were collected between November 2016-April 2017, using semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of staff (n=51), members of partnering organisations (n=5), service users (n=5) and carers (n=2). Data from service users and carers were analysed together; as was data from staff and partnering organisations. Data were analysed thematically.
Results
Eight themes were identified across the staff data; five themes were identified from the service user experience data. Findings showed that while some staff and service users recognised the benefits of thorough preparation for such radical change, many staff reported receiving mixed messages about how they should act, especially when implementing the new policy when change was resisted. Where there was a culture of consistent support from senior staff, prioritisation and clear communication, becoming smokefree on-site was more likely to be normalised.
Conclusion
The opportunity exists to advocate for change to smoking behaviour in mental health trusts. However, even when change is initiated by national guidance, challenges remain when embedding new ways of behaving.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 5 Sept 2019 |
| Event | Royal College of Nursing International Research Conference 2019 - Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom Duration: 3 Sept 2019 → 5 Sept 2019 https://www.rcn.org.uk/professional-development/research-and-innovation/research-events/rcn-2019-research-conference |
Conference
| Conference | Royal College of Nursing International Research Conference 2019 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | RCN International Research Conference 2019 |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Sheffield |
| Period | 3/09/19 → 5/09/19 |
| Internet address |