“Positive Signage and Certification as Complementary Strategies for Tobacco-Free and Health-Promoting Environments: Experiences from Switzerland”
1
Network Forum Nikotinprävention und Beratung Schweiz (FNBS), Zurich, Forum Nikotinprävention und Beratung Schweiz (FNBS), Zurich, Switzerland
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
the forum nikotinprävention und beratung schweiz (fnbs) is a national network that develops and implements evidence-based strategies for tobacco and nicotine prevention in various institutional settings. its aim is to anchor health-promoting environments in a sustainable way. fnbs collaborates with hospitals, universities, hotels, and other organizations, combining practical expertise with internationally recognized standards.
METHODS:
a central tool of fnbs is positive signage, guided by the principle “guidance instead of prohibition.” the signs rauchfrei – smoke free® and raucherzone – smoking area® provide clarity for staff, patients, guests, and visitors. the “signalisieren” process includes consultation, situational analysis, selection and design of the signs, as well as support during implementation and follow-up. this makes institutional rules visible and increases acceptance. as a complementary process, fnbs also offers the international gnth certification (bronze/silver/gold) for healthcare institutions. this certification assesses leadership and strategy, treatment, staff training, workplace health promotion, communication, public engagement, and the implementation of smoke-free environments. re-certification every four years ensures sustainability.
RESULTS:
between 2021 and 2025, signs were successfully introduced in hospitals, hotels, and universities of applied sciences. feedback indicates clearer orientation in daily routines, fewer conflicts between smoking and non-smoking individuals, and greater visibility of preventive messages. institutions that additionally completed the certification process reported strengthened internal structures and increased credibility externally. the combination of visible signage and quality-assured certification proved to be particularly effective.
CONCLUSIONS:
fnbs integrates network expertise, innovative positive signage, and international quality standards. experiences in switzerland demonstrate that this combination effectively supports the creation of health-promoting environments. the model shows strong potential for transfer to other countries and contexts and contributes to the global public health goals of equity, sustainability, and inclusivity.
the forum nikotinprävention und beratung schweiz (fnbs) is a national network that develops and implements evidence-based strategies for tobacco and nicotine prevention in various institutional settings. its aim is to anchor health-promoting environments in a sustainable way. fnbs collaborates with hospitals, universities, hotels, and other organizations, combining practical expertise with internationally recognized standards.
METHODS:
a central tool of fnbs is positive signage, guided by the principle “guidance instead of prohibition.” the signs rauchfrei – smoke free® and raucherzone – smoking area® provide clarity for staff, patients, guests, and visitors. the “signalisieren” process includes consultation, situational analysis, selection and design of the signs, as well as support during implementation and follow-up. this makes institutional rules visible and increases acceptance. as a complementary process, fnbs also offers the international gnth certification (bronze/silver/gold) for healthcare institutions. this certification assesses leadership and strategy, treatment, staff training, workplace health promotion, communication, public engagement, and the implementation of smoke-free environments. re-certification every four years ensures sustainability.
RESULTS:
between 2021 and 2025, signs were successfully introduced in hospitals, hotels, and universities of applied sciences. feedback indicates clearer orientation in daily routines, fewer conflicts between smoking and non-smoking individuals, and greater visibility of preventive messages. institutions that additionally completed the certification process reported strengthened internal structures and increased credibility externally. the combination of visible signage and quality-assured certification proved to be particularly effective.
CONCLUSIONS:
fnbs integrates network expertise, innovative positive signage, and international quality standards. experiences in switzerland demonstrate that this combination effectively supports the creation of health-promoting environments. the model shows strong potential for transfer to other countries and contexts and contributes to the global public health goals of equity, sustainability, and inclusivity.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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