Use of e-cigarettes has increased dramatically in the UK and this has led to a heated debate as to their use and usefulness. Pharmacy teams may feel in a quandary about the approach they should take to selling these products, their place in smoking cessation and giving advice and information about them. Some experts argue that e-cigarettes have the potential to reduce smoking, while others suggest that they have the potential to increase smoking by re-normalising the habit. What do you think?

Whatever your views and the policy of your pharmacy, remember that the pharmacy team is in an ideal position to help customers who want to give up or reduce their use of tobacco. Take the time to talk to customers who want to stop or reduce smoking to gain a sense of their motivation and difficulties. You can then provide information about e-cigarettes and standard nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

Those who are leading the Team Tuesday training will find accompanying learning prompts and teaching notes here.