Nabhani-Gebara, Shereen, Marques Gomes, Ana, Calabrese, Gianpiero, Kayyali, Reem, Bhatti, Aqeel, Adamjee, Alefiyah and Merlehan, Claire (2015) E-cigarettes : perceptions of healthcare professionals. In: UK Nicotine and Smoking Cessation Conference (UKNSCC); 11-12 Jun 2015, Manchester, U.K.. (Unpublished)

Abstract

With increasing popularity of e-cigarettes, healthcare professionals (HCPs) are facing the dilemma of supporting patients using these unregulated products. This study aimed at evaluating HCPs’ current knowledge and experience, advice given, and potential e-cigarettes’ role in smoking cessation. Semi-structured interviews of community pharmacists (CPs, n=44), smoking cessation team manager (SCT, n=1) and local pharmaceutical committee members (LPC, n=2), and a survey of physicians (n=22) were carried out. HCPs were interviewed from across Central/West London, Surrey, Middlesex and Birmingham. Thematic analysis revealed: 1) lack of product confidence, 2) conflicting views between practicing and commissioning HCPs, 3) lack of confidence in advising and counselling. Of the surveyed physicians, 73% stated e-cigarettes are healthier than conventional tobacco cigarettes, 63% were not confident in counselling on effective use. 77% rated them moderately to extremely effective in smoking cessation and 59% would recommend or prescribe them as smoking cessation aids. The level of support for e-cigarettes is varied among stakeholders with insecurities relating to the quality, safety and lack of regulation of these devices. Swift action on licensing and regulation may diminish uncertainties, allowing stakeholders to harness the potential for increased smoking cessation rates with approval of e-cigarettes as smoking cessation aids.

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