1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. Stop Smoking Practitioners and e-cigarettes PHE GM workshop feedback

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Roles of e-cigs in quitting
as seen by quitters

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

10. 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??

11. 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?

12. 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

13. 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

14. Thank you