How are the English Stop Smoking Services responding to growth in use of electronic cigarettes?
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Posted by: Natalia Gromov
Patient Educ Couns. 2013 Nov 6. pii: S0738-3991(13)00463-1.
doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2013.10.022. [Epub ahead of print]
Beard E, Brose LS, Brown J, West R, McEwen A.
The goal of this study was to assess extent of electronic
cigarette use by smokers attending Stop Smoking Services, the advice given
about electronic cigarettes and whether this usage is recorded. Ninety per cent
(n=1150) and 95% (n=1215) of practitioners respectively, reported that their
clients were using electronic cigarettes and that they had been asked about
them. Seventy-one per cent (n=41) of managers reported that they had a policy
on the advice to be given; of whom 85% (n=35) said that practitioners should
say that products were unlicensed. Fifty-five per cent (n=707) of practitioners
reported giving such advice and 11% (n=138) said they warned smokers about
their safety. Only 9% (n=119) reported that they recorded clients' use. Although
use of electronic cigarettes by smokers in Stop Smoking Services is common, few
provisions are in place to record their use. Practitioners mostly advise that
products are not licensed. There is a need to consider additional training for
practitioners on use of e-cigarettes and harm reduction generally to ensure
that advice is consistent and evidence-based.
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