Knowledge, Perceptions, and Awareness of Electronic Cigarettes Among Healthcare Providers and In-Patients

Health Professions - Clinical: 3rd Place (The Ohio State University Denman Undergraduate Research Forum)Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery powered inhalation devices that turn nicotine into vapor. E- cigarettes contain complex mixtures of chemicals, the safety of which is unknown and are not FDA approved. However, the e-cigarette market is evolving rapidly and the use of e-cigarettes has increased exponentially. As the use of e-cigarettes rises, healthcare providers should be prepared to provide consistent evidence-based advice to their patients regarding this emerging issue. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the knowledge, perceptions, and awareness of e-cigarettes among the in-patients, nurses, physicians, mid-level providers, and respiratory therapists at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. An understanding of the deficits in knowledge and misperceptions will inform future healthcare interactions surrounding e-cigarette use. METHODS: This descriptive pilot study utilized an online survey instrument that was sent out to over 900 healthcare providers. Additionally, in-patient smokers at the institution completed a survey about their knowledge and perceptions of e-cigarette use and safety. In-patients were recruited from a list obtained by the Patient Education and Evaluation Program (PEEP) team, a group of RTs who educate and advise patients during brief tobacco counseling sessions at OSUWMC. These participants were recruited from self-reported past or current smoking history. RESULTS: A total of 306 HCPs and 24 in-patients were surveyed. HCPs reported receiving questions from patients about e-cigarettes but rated their confidence in providing information as low. Final results indicate that there is a gap in the knowledge and misperceptions regarding the utility and use of both the healthcare providers and the in-patients surveyed. Opportunities for HCP training and the dissemination of advice regarding e-cigarette should be initiated. CONCLUSION: More research and education needs to be conducted to address the safety and efficacy of using e-cigarettes to provide consistent evidence-based advice for patients.Academic Major: Respiratory Therap