[Acceptance of smoke-free policy in a psychiatric department by in-patients and staff].

The high smoking prevalence among psychiatric patients and staff in psychiatric hospitals explains the difficulties in accompanying efforts for the introduction of regulations for a smoke-free environment. Prior to the establishment of regulations for a smoke-free psychiatric department at the University Hospital, Dept. of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in Tubingen, a democratic process was initiated. A first survey achieved a high response rate and indicated a high level of acceptance of the introduction of smoke-free regulations. A task group formulated a set of internal smoking policies and regulations, including the location of smoke-free zones and options to support smoking cessation initiatives. Further surveys documented a majority signalling acceptance of the smoking restrictions and an increasing number of non-smokers. In conclusion, it is possible to successfully regulate smoking in a psychiatric facility by involving the staff in the process.