US Clinicians Get First Guidelines on Vaping to Quit Smoking

A newly published paper in JAMA offers the first clinical recommendations in the United States on using e-cigarettes to help adults quit smoking. Led by Dr. Eleanor Leavens of the University of Kansas Cancer Center, the guidance aims to standardize how clinicians support patients transitioning away from combustible tobacco.

Cigarette smoking is responsible for approximately 30% of all cancer deaths in the United States. While the majority of smokers express a desire to quit, long-term cessation remains difficult to achieve. Nicotine e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, yet US healthcare providers have lacked clear protocols for integrating them into cessation plans.

This absence of official protocol has fueled confusion regarding the risks and benefits of vaping. Dr. Leavens noted, “Adding clear guidance on e-cigarettes gives clinicians a practical tool that can help people move away from combustible tobacco and toward better health.”

How Clinicians Can Implement the Guidelines

The paper, developed by the Harm Reduction Workgroup of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, outlines how providers can discuss e-cigarettes with patients. The authors advise clinicians to include nicotine e-cigarettes on the menu of evidence-based cessation options and engage in shared decision-making.

For patients who choose e-cigarettes, the guidelines recommend the following steps:

Select FDA-Authorized Products: Patients should use regulated devices to ensure quality control.
Replace Smoking Triggers: Use the e-cigarette during times when the urge to smoke combustible tobacco is strongest.
Aim for Complete Transition: Work toward stopping combustible cigarette use entirely as quickly as possible.
Combine with Counseling: Pair vaping with behavioral support, such as the national quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW).

Dr. Leavens emphasized that the goal is to expand the toolkit for clinicians. “There is no single approach that will help all smokers quit but by providing patients with a menu of options and engaging in a risk-benefit conversation, they have a better chance of quitting for good,” she said.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.