“We need food, not tobacco” is the theme of tomorrow’s World Health Organization World No Tobacco Day, which highlights the benefits of reducing tobacco use.
Vaping is also topical, with the Federal Government recently announcing a crackdown and the Victorian Government and health agencies launching an information campaign aimed at dispelling myths about the use of e-cigarettes.
Available to comment:
Ms Melis Selamoglu, Monash University PhD student researching GP attitudes on e-cigarettes as smoking cessation aids with the Department of General Practice.
Contact by email only Tuesday 30 May 10am-12pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm, and Wednesday 31 May 10am-12pm: [email protected]
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E-cigarettes as smoking cessation aids
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GP perceptions on e-cigarettes as a form of smoking cessation
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Prescription of nicotine e-liquids in general practice
The following can be attributed to Ms Selamoglu:
“Since 1 October, 2021, e-cigarettes with nicotine have only been available in Australia by prescription from a medical practitioner. This enables GPs, in particular, to discuss use of e-cigarettes and provide information and support for smoking cessation. Little is known about Australian GPs’ preparedness to have these discussions with their patients and their perceptions of e-cigarettes as an alternative to smoking cessation therapies.
“My research found Australian GPs held mixed views about recommending e-cigarettes as smoking cessation aids to patients, and prescribing nicotine containing e-liquids. These were driven by a perceived lack of authoritative information from trusted authorities about e-cigarettes and nicotine e-liquids, uncertainty around the scientific evidence on the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes, and limited understanding about Australian policy regulations on e-cigarettes.
“Some GPs were willing to recommend e-cigarettes to patients, but mainly as a second- or third-line treatment when other options had failed. They wanted more information about how to prescribe and then step down the nicotine e-liquid dosage. Some GPs believed e-cigarettes to be a safer alternative to regular cigarettes, whilst others disagreed. GPs were concerned that e-cigarettes may become broadly accepted and used outside clinical use for smoking cessation, possibly leading to cigarette smoking or dual use.
“Additional information is required to guide policy on e-cigarettes and contribute to guidelines about the potential role and place of e-cigarettes as smoking cessation aids. Further research is also needed among GPs to clearly understand their perceptions and prescribing intentions, and a need for a clearer policy or guideline framework for prescribing e-cigarettes.”
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