REFRESH Project Findings

Initial findings

The initial desk research findings from the first year of the project show there is practitioner enthusiasm for information and training around SHS and considerable work taking place in Scotland to promote smoke-free homes.

Findings from the Practitioners Baseline survey (2010) suggest practitioners have a strong interest in SHS and the effects on children’s health and a general desire to engage in the issue. There is however a lack of training and information on SHS in the home and how to raise the issue effectively with parents. There is also a lack of clarity on whose role it is to raise the issue of SHS exposure in the home. The survey will be repeated in autumn 2012 to assess any changes in practitioners knowledge and confidence around SHS issues.

The Mapping Survey of Smoke-free Home Initiatives in Scotland and England (2011) details work currently being undertaken. Most health boards in Scotland are engaged in smoke-free home initiatives. The report describes the variety of activities taking place and considers the policy and practice implications for future work in this area.

The executive summaries and full reports from the first phase of the project can be accessed below and updates will be added as they become available: