E-Cigarette Education and Training in Medical Schools: A National Survey

Abstract

Introduction: E-cigarette use is increasing amongst current smokers, nonsmoking adults and young people. Doctors are in a unique position to encourage patients to quit and help achieve their goal of nicotine abstinence. Teaching on tobacco-related disease is well established and a "smoking history" is a routine part of undergraduate medical curricula. Despite education about smoking, little is known about what students are taught about E-cigarettes.

Methods: Scottish medical students were invited to participate in an online survey to assess their own attitudes, the curricular coverage of smoking, E-cigarettes, and cessation programmes.

Results: Approximately 5000 students were invited; a total of 606 responses were received (12%). 8.4% currently vape (3% are current smokers). The majority (95%) reported that E-cigarette use was not covered well within their curriculum (61% stated it had not been mentioned). Despite this, 72% were aware of some health risks associated with E-cigarettes but only 6% reported they would feel confident explaining this to patients. 98% were unaware of any available cessation services.

Conclusions: Practical advice and training regarding E-cigarette use and cessation is lacking across Scottish medical school curricula. Medical students lack the knowledge and confidence to explain the health consequences to patients. To enable future medical staff to deal with the rise in nicotine addiction, it is essential that medical schools improve access to information on acute and chronic health effects and cessation support. Evidence-based education and cessation programmes should be developed to ensure students feel confident in supporting future patients in attempting to quit nicotine addiction.

Keywords: E‐cigarettes; medical education; public health; tobacco control; vaping.