[German Network for Tobacco-Free Hospitals & Health-Care Services]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Tobacco Control

Background:

• The German Network for Tobacco-Free Hospitals & Health-Care Services (DNRfK) operates under the ENSH-Global Network for Tobacco-Free Health-Care Services Code.
• Evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of tobacco control measures within healthcare settings is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the implementation status and quality of tobacco control measures within the DNRfK network.
• To evaluate the adoption and adherence to evidence-based smoking cessation practices among member institutions.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to 181 members of the DNRfK network.
• An online questionnaire (78 items) collected data on certification levels, smoking cessation methods, and service provision.
• Response rate was 67.4%.

Main Results:

• At the time of the survey, 17% held silver, 43% bronze certification, and 40% were uncertified.
• Common cessation methods included motivational interviewing (47%), brief interventions (45%), and individual counseling (45%).
• Pharmacological support was available in 63% of hospitals; services were primarily delivered by physicians (63%), nurses (51%), and psychologists (51%).
• Guideline-oriented cessation was offered by 36% of participants, with higher rates among silver-level certified facilities.

Conclusions:

• The DNRfK Code is well-accepted and implemented by network members.
• Quality of tobacco control and evidence-based cessation treatments improves with membership duration and certification level.
• Areas for improvement include training-the-trainer qualifications and standardized follow-up measurements.