Motivating Busy Hospitals to Implement 100% Tobacco-Free Campus Policies

Issues: Most hospitals could do a better job at implementing a 100% tobacco-free campus policy, or if they have one, improving enforcement. However, trying to change a busy hospital from outside the system can be challenging. Public health advocates fortunate enough to gain a meeting may receive a response such as: “Great idea but we have too much on our plates right now; come back another year.” Description: In this case study, advocates were able to get three hospitals to adopt tobacco-free campuses, evaluate and improve their tobacco treatment programs, while developing lasting partnerships between hospitals and community groups. Lessons Learned: Health groups can offer solutions to policy barriers and challenges, such as providing cessation programs for hospital employees and patients, technical assistance and training for hospital staff and committees, along with other incentives to motivate reluctant hospital administrators. Co-authors helped hospitals develop implementation committees that included key decision makers in multiple departments. Because staff can change quickly during reorganizations, developing multiple “inside advocates” or “champions” is necessary to sustain momentum when the smoke-free policy gets de-prioritized. Recommendations: Remind hospitals of their health mission as leaders in the community, and the opportunity to join hundreds of North American hospitals that have established progressive tobacco free policies. Visible support from local health- coalitions can help hospitals overcome procrastination. Diplomatic, yet persistent follow-up, along with technical assistance and training can help hospitals overcome internal obstacles to a 100% tobacco-free campus policy and improved tobacco treatment protocols.