optimising the offer to meet the needs of quitters Date: 9 June 2016 E-cigarettes and SSS: optimising the offer to meet the needs of quitters Date: 9 June 2016 Name: Ansa Hussain Healthier Futures

Aim and objectives Project aim To contribute to a definition of the LSSS harm reduction offer for those using/considering using e-cigarettes as part of a quit attempt. Overall research objective To identify how LSSS can best support smokers who want to use e-cigarettes to become tobacco free or nicotine free.

Method and sample * Smoker, intending to quit in next 6 –12M, using or considering using e-cigarettes as quit aid + Ex-smoker, quit in last 6 – 12M, used e-cigarettes as quit aid, may or may not still use them

Stop Smoking Practitioners and e-cigarettes PHE GM workshop feedback

I’d consider e-cigs because… word of mouth ‘failure’ of alternatives visibility HP advice (rarer) similarity to tobacco independence

E-cigarettes as a quit aid Advantages (majority) Disadvantages (minority) Efficacy like cigarettes (keeps hands busy; inhaling/exhaling) instant hit, satisfying (some) like cigarettes (could be easy to relapse) not satisfying, unsure how to use still addicted to nicotine Health less unhealthy than tobacco harmless (some) uncertain about long term impact chest/throat problems no quality yardstick Convenience can use indoors (E) fewer side effects (E) pleasant smell/taste much cheaper than tobacco can buy freely different types to suit user can’t use everywhere (E) battery life fragility not on prescription/free (yet/here) hard to choose, upfront cost

Perceived health impacts vs tobacco MUCH less harmful no tar, fewer toxins PHE report: ‘95% less’ accepted by most per se most: probably harmless long term min: new, hence can’t know long term impact NHS wouldn’t supply if harmful negative user experiences raise concern cheap liquids more harmful? no proof

Roles of e-cigs in quitting as seen by quitters

Ideal SSS: general awareness accessible advising transparent the ideal service awareness accessible advising transparent accountability sessions and beyond accepting

behavioural support – what’s that?? Ideal SSS: general the ideal service awareness accessible advising transparent accountability sessions and beyond accepting behavioural support – what’s that??

Ideal SSS: e-cigs product sampling subsidy? guide to types the ideal service product sampling guide to types quality assurance pros and cons (how to use) subsidy?

Barriers – How SSS could support smokers no need for SSS if I use e-cigs don’t know how/if SSS would work with e-cigs sessions hard to access, awkward don’t know how SSS would help me to quit not aware of SSS or how to contact offer comparable financial incentives? enable informed choice increase awareness and consideration of SSS generally Most common

Research recommendations Promoting SSS in general is key in attracting users, regardless of quit aid Specific info for quitters considering e-cigs: SSS work with e-cigs as well as other aids SSS help you choose the best product for you sampling, choice, quality assurance (potentially) financial incentives and help you use it effectively

Thank you