Primary Care Physicians’ Beliefs and Practices Regarding E-Cigarette Use by Patients Who Smoke: A Qualitative Assessment

Introduction:
This article explores the beliefs and practices of primary care physicians (PCPs) regarding e-cigarette use by patients who smoke. The study conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 15 PCPs in Virginia, USA to identify key themes regarding current practices and beliefs about e-cigarettes.

Key Points:

* Existing clinic processes do not include mechanisms to screen for noncombustible tobacco products such as e-cigarettes.
* E-cigarette discussions are becoming commonplace in practice with patients initiating the discussions and seeking physician guidance.
* A lack of knowledge regarding the potential harms and benefits of e-cigarettes, yet a willingness to support their patients’ desire to use e-cigarettes.
* Belief that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to smoking combustible tobacco products.
* Abandoning concerns regarding the potential harms of e-cigarettes in the context of highly addicted patients and those with extensive comorbidities.
* Some PCPs are currently recommending e-cigarettes to their patients for smoking cessation and relative harm reduction.
* Physicians need to be informed about the evolving evidence regarding the risks and benefits of e-cigarettes.

Main Message:
The study found that PCPs are discussing e-cigarettes with their patients and some are recommending their use for smoking cessation and harm reduction. However, PCPs acknowledge limited knowledge regarding e-cigarettes and express a need for more information about the risks and benefits of e-cigarettes to inform their practices. The study highlights the importance of keeping healthcare providers informed about the evolving evidence regarding e-cigarettes to support informed decision-making and patient care.

El-Shahawy, Omar, Richard Brown, and Jennifer Elston Lafata. “Primary Care Physicians’ Beliefs and Practices Regarding E-Cigarette Use by Patients Who Smoke: A Qualitative Assessment.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 13, no. 5 (April 26, 2016): 445. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13050445.