in increasing receptivity to the HPH approach. For example,
policies could be developed that allowed smoking in
some areas which, over time, moved the hospital towards
becoming smoke-free. This could be combined with health
education and the offering of alternative methods to support
individual smoking and stress reduction.
Most patients expressed the views that they would like
information and advice regarding lifestyle issues and that
they are reassured by explanations. This suggests that they
wished to make informed choices about their lifestyle, an
attitude supporting the empowerment of patients and compatible
with the HPH approach to promoting health.