Evaluating the application of a smoking ban regulation in a hospital emergency department

Sánchez Del Castillo RM, Navarro Ortega S, Tavera Mateos P, Del Pozo Sancho J

Background: In May 2005 the Royal Decree prohibiting smoking

in public spaces and particularly in medical centres came into

force. Our study aims to analyse the consequences of implementing

that rule on the nursing staff of the emergency service of Alcorcón

Foundation Hospital, the changes in smoking habits, the awareness

of effects of air polluted by cigarette smoke on health and the

arguments between smokers and non-smokers about cigarette use.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study based on a survey

of smokers and non-smokers of the nursing staff (nurses and nursing

assistants) of the emergency service of the Alcorcon Foundation

Hospital and a comparative analysis of responses and outcomes were

done.

Results: The survey was answered by 71 staff members (44 nurses

and 27 nursing assistants), 19 of whom (26,8%) were current smokers.

After the implementation of the smoking prohibition, average cigarette

consumption during working hours was reduced by 4,7 cigarettes per

person and conflicts caused by cigarette smoke decreased.

Conclusions: The staff members surveyed were aware of the effects

of air polluted by cigarette smoke on the health of passive smokers.

Following implementation of the Royal Decree, both cigarette consumption

in the workplace and arguments due to cigarette smoking

decreased.

Del Pozo Sancho J, Navarro Ortega S, Sánchez Del Castillo RM, Tavera Mateos P