UKVIA applauds the publication of draft guidance by the Government’s top health advisory body to support health workers in helping smokers transition successfully to vaping
Healthcare workers should be providing clear and up-to-date advice about vaping to those trying to quit smoking, according to the Government’s top health advisory organisation in a move that has been welcomed by the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA).
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published draft guideline recommendations, currently out for consultation, which make the case for healthcare workers to inform patients where they can find vaping products, proactively promote the fact that vape products are substantially less harmful than conventional cigarettes and provide advice on how to use vape devices correctly.
This announcement follows fast on the heels of NHS trials that were announced recently, whereby vaping devices are given to smokers in A&E departments. These are already under way in some NHS hospitals in England and Wales.
These developments coincide with a new campaign being planned by the UKVIA to support frontline workers in helping smokers successfully quit using vaping through the advice they give.
John Dunne, Director General of the UKVIA, said: “It’s great to see that the NHS is embracing the huge public health potential of vaping. Pro-vaping actions such as NICE’s draft guideline recommendations and the NHS trials are key to ensuring the Government meets its target for a smokefree Britain.
“Our own campaign, which we will be launching in July, will provide a much-needed resource to help frontline healthcare staff give the right advice to smokers on how best to quit using vaping.
“A one size all approach is not the way to maximise quit rates amongst smokers from taking up vaping. It depends on their level of smoking which in turn determines the flavours, nicotine levels and devices that they should be using. We are using the many years of experience amongst our members to equip the NHS with advice that is proven to get results.”