Public Health England’s expert review of the latest evidence concludes that e-cigarettes are around 95 per cent safer than smoked tobacco and can help smokers to quit. In it’s guidance, NICE says that people who smoke and who are using, or are interested in using a nicotine-containing e-cigarette should be told that:

• Although these products are not licensed medicines, they are regulated by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016
• Many people have found them helpful to quit smoking cigarettes
• People using e-cigarettes should stop smoking tobacco completely
• The evidence suggests that e-cigarettes are substantially less harmful to health than smoking but are not risk-free
• The evidence in this area is still developing, including evidence on the long-term health impact.

Reflective exercise

• What questions could you ask to help you assess a person’s level of nicotine dependence?
• How would you choose the appropriate product for your patient?
• What would your response be if your patient asks you about using e-cigarettes?