Supporting e-cigarette provision in Targeted Lung Health Checks
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Supporting Swap-to-Stop: A pilot investigation of e-cigarette information provision for people who smoke attending targeted lung health checks Participant facing title: Investigating what information is helpful to people being offered an e-cigarette during lung health checks
IRAS ID
342160
Contact name
Angela Attwood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 7 days
Research summary
Main Aim: This is a pilot study to test materials to encourage smokers attending targeted lung health checks (TLHCs) to try free vapes (e-cigarettes).
TLHC invite smokers and ex-smokers aged 55 and over for lung screening with aim to increase early detection of lung problems. The experience of lung screening may motivate current smokers to quit, and therefore additional provision of smoking cessation support is recommended in these settings. As part of this, a number of TLHCs have enrolled in the Swap-to-Stop scheme that provides free vapes. While evidence shows vapes can effectively help smokers quit, many smokers hold negative views of vapes. In particular, the erroneous believe that vaping is as harmful (or more harmful) then smoking is common. This is likely to substantially undermine the effectiveness of this initiative. Currently the Swap-to-Stop scheme does not address these concerns.
In this study, we will test an intervention to address concerns and challenge misinformation about e-cigarettes. This intervention will comprise a 3-part materials package: 1) Expert video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSn5ZZQkzKs) providing information on relative harms that will play in waiting area; 2) information poster in waiting area; 3) information leaflet with facts about vaping and using an vape. This intervention has been specifically designed to be low burden on TLHC staff.
This study will run in one TLHC site (South West) to inform a larger trial. It will run over 6 weeks. Each week will alternate between usual care (control A weeks; where vapes provided but not additional information given) and intervention (B weeks) where our materials will be provided. Our primary outcome will be the number of vapes accepted in intervention compared to control weeks. A subset of individuals from intervention weeks will be invited to interview to explore their experience of the vape offer and the impact of the materials provided.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0351
Date of REC Opinion
10 Dec 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion