Impact of a total smoking ban in a high security forensic unit
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Author(s)
Dr Briju Prasad and Professor Lindsay Thomson
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| Presenter(s) |
Dr Briju Prasad Specialty Doctor - Forensic Psychiatry, The State Hospital, Carstairs |
Abstract Aim
‘Smoke-free mental health services in Scotland’ guidance placed a focus on mental health services to work towards becoming smoke-free. Despite health improvements to patients and staff, concerns were raised about smoking cessation having an adverse impact on patients’ mental health and impinging their autonomy. The aim of this study was to look at the impact of total smoking cessation on patients’ and staff at a high secure Hospital in Scotland.
Methodology
90% patients (n=122) and 61% (n=236) staff participated in a Hospital-wide smoking service evaluation, enabling opinions to be analysed. The study also assessed patients’ behaviour, physical health and spending before and after smoking restrictions.
Results
The first six months showed an above average weight gain which streamlined over twelve months. Patients spending on confectionery and soft drinks increased. Rates of aggressive behaviour with patients’ reduced and physical activity remained the same. Attitudes of patients and staff favouring a total smoke free environment increased.
Conclusion
Psychotic symptoms and aggression did not rise, dispelling myths that restricting smoking would destabilise mental state in psychiatric inpatients. The positive results achieved relating to patients’ mental and physical health, should provide encouragement to other psychiatric units across the UK to consider smoking restrictions.
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Presenter biography Dr Briju Prasad is a Specialty Doctor in Forensic Psychiatry. He has experience of working with patients with mental health difficulties for the last nine years. Prior to his Psychiatry training he has worked in General Medicine including Cardiology. In the last two years, Dr Prasad, as part of a team, has managed patients with severe and enduring mental illnesses at The State Hospital in Scotland who went through a process of total smoking cessation. His interest is in the field of physical health in patients with mental health problems.
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Source of funding: I did not receive any external funding for this study. Financial assistance to conduct this study was through the Research Committee of The State Hospital, Scotland.
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Declaration of interest: None
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