Table 3 Practitioners’ responses to questions regarding sources of e-cigarette guidance and reported advice provided
Variable | Participants n (%) | |
|---|---|---|
Awareness of IASLC statement regarding e-cigarette use among cancer patientsa | ||
Yes | 37 (27.6) | |
No | 97 (72.4) | |
Workplace recommended advice that practitioners should provide regarding e-cigarettesa | ||
Yes | 12 (9.0) | |
No | 122 (91.0) | |
“I feel I need more information and guidance regarding electronic cigarettes”a | ||
Strongly agree | 53 (39.6) | |
Agree | 71 (53.0) | |
Neutral | 4 (3.0) | |
Disagree | 6 (4.5) | |
Strongly disagree | 0 (0.0) | |
“I feel confident advising patients regarding electronic cigarettes” a | ||
Strongly agree | 4 (3.0) | |
Agree | 24 (18.0) | |
Neutral | 39 (29.3) | |
Disagree | 49 (36.8) | |
Strongly disagree | 17 (12.8) | |
Advice given to patients regarding e-cigarettesb | ||
E-cigarettes are less harmful than regular cigarettes | 45 (23.7) | |
Paucity of research and uncertainty regarding adverse effects | 41 (21.6) | |
Patients should avoid using regular or electronic cigarettes altogether | 25 (13.2) | |
E-cigarettes may be an effective tool for smoking cessation | 20 (10.5) | |
E-cigarette use is discouraged | 11 (5.8) | |
Seek support via Stop Smoking Services | 10 (5.3) | |
Lack of regulation and caution regarding quality control | 10 (5.3) | |
No advice provided | 9 (4.7) | |
E-cigarette use is encouraged | 7 (3.7) | |
Consider the use of licenced smoking cessation treatments primarily | 5 (2.6) | |
E-cigarettes may be harmful to health | 3 (1.6) | |
Inadequate knowledge to advise | 3 (1.6) | |
No clear guidelines from professional bodies | 1 (0.5) | |