Readiness for implementation of smoke-free work hours in private companies: A qualitative study of perceptions among middle managers

State of the literature discussing smoke-free policies globally: A narrative review

Despite the success of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), most jurisdictions in the world do not have policies that create 100% smoke-free environments in indoor workplaces, indoor public places, public transport, or other public places. We conducted a narrative review of articles that discuss smoke-free policies and describe the state of the current literature. A search of peer-reviewed and gray literature, published between 1 January 2004 and 30 April 2022, was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE databases. We classified articles based on the location of the policy discussed (WHO region, World Bank income classification) and the environment that was being made smoke-free. Insights related to policy development and implementation, as well as compliance and enforcement, were also identified. The search identified 4469 unique citations; 134 articles met the criteria for inclusion and underwent data extraction by two independent coders. The sample included articles published in or about jurisdictions in each WHO region, in high- and low- and mediumincome countries, and articles that discussed policies regulating smoke-free indoor workplaces, indoor public places, public transport, outdoor/quasi-outdoor environments, and other (unspecified) public places. Some important insights from the literature related to smoke-free policy implementation included tobacco industry interference, the important role of civil society, and the need for effective communication, education, and leadership. Enforcement officials' awareness and training, stakeholders' attitudes and beliefs, and understanding social norms were identified as relevant determinants of effective smoke-free policies. There continue to be challenges for implementing smoke-free policies in jurisdictions throughout the globe, in high- and low- and middle-income countries. The literature includes insights to support 100% smoke-free policies in each environment that must be made smoke-free as per the FCTC.

Implementation fidelity of a smoke-free workplace intervention in a private medical company: A mixed-methods process evaluation

INTRODUCTION

Smoke-free workplaces are considered an important part of tobacco control strategies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate implementation fidelity and explore the significance of social and contextual factors for the implementation of a strict smoke-free workplace intervention in a large Danish medical company.

METHODS

The UK Medical Research Council's guidance for process evaluation was used as a framework. Data were collected from approximately six months before the implementation until ten months after (2019-2020). A mixed method study design was used (a survey of 398 employees, a focus group of four employees and field visits on two days). Data were analyzed separately and later integrated through triangulation. We used the Fisher's exact test in the analysis of the questionnaire.

RESULTS

We assessed the implementation fidelity through four key factors: reach, dose and delivery, mechanisms of change, and context for the intervention components. Despite compliance issues, the policy component had high implementation fidelity. However, the implementation fidelity of the smoking cessation support component was low. We identified three social mechanisms influencing the employees' responsiveness towards the policy: expectation, the social aspect of the smoking facilities, and management leadership. COVID-19 was identified as the main contextual factor affecting the implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

Although not all elements of the intervention components were implemented as planned, the strict smoke-free workplace intervention is considered implemented. Further strategies can be initiated to raise implementation fidelity through better communication concerning the cessation support component, compliance, and enforcement of the policy.