



Introduction

This course has been developed to assist health and social care professionals support people who want to use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to help them quit smoking.



Health professionals are considered a reliable source of information by smokers and this course aims to provide them with the knowledge, and clinical guidance, to ensure that their advice is evidence-based and effective.



This course draws upon both the 2018 Public Health England review of evidence and the 2016 Royal College of Physicians report (see Resources section) - but importantly, also on the experience of vapers and of stop smoking service staff.



This course covers the safety and effectiveness of e-cigarettes, types of device and issues for e-cigarette users to consider. It looks specifically at the role of e-cigarettes for young people and pregnant women who smoke, and answers frequently asked questions.



It can be difficult with a technology that is both varied and rapidly advancing, such as e-cigarettes, to keep on top of all the latest developments. But we know enough to be able to construct this course upon the principles that e-cigarettes:



Are considerably safer than smoking cigarettes

Are popular with smokers

Have a role to play in reducing smoking rates



Professor Robert West provides a brief overview of e-cigarettes in this short video.







Please note: The nature of this topic area means that it is not possible to offer formal assessment and certification with this course.





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This course has been developed to assist health and social care professionals support people who want to use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to help them quit smoking.Health professionals are considered a reliable source of information by smokers and this course aims to provide them with the knowledge, and clinical guidance, to ensure that their advice is evidence-based and effective.This course draws upon both the 2018 Public Health England review of evidence and the 2016 Royal College of Physicians report (see Resources section) - but importantly, also on the experience of vapers and of stop smoking service staff.This course covers the safety and effectiveness of e-cigarettes, types of device and issues for e-cigarette users to consider. It looks specifically at the role of e-cigarettes for young people and pregnant women who smoke, and answers frequently asked questions.It can be difficult with a technology that is both varied and rapidly advancing, such as e-cigarettes, to keep on top of all the latest developments. But we know enough to be able to construct this course upon the principles that e-cigarettes:Professor Robert West provides a brief overview of e-cigarettes in this short video.The nature of this topic area means that it is not possible to offer formal assessment and certification with this course.