The Impact of Smoking Regulations on the Daily Routine of Patients within an Irish Mental Health Setting

Abstract A high prevalence of smoking has been reported among people receiving care within inpatient and forensic mental health services. An Irish inpatient mental health service introduced a “smoke free campus” policy in 2018. Six semi-structured interviews were completed with patients within this setting in 2019. Using thematic analysis, five themes were identified: Experience of stakeholder support, routine, experience of being an inpatient, the meaning of smoking, and the experience and perception of the smoking policy and governing bodies. The findings have implications for staff who work in mental health inpatient settings or who develop policies regarding smoking on hospital sites.