Handing Out Vapes in Emergency Rooms Could Save Thousands of Lives
April 08, 2024 by filtermag.org
Handing Out Vapes in Emergency Rooms Could Save Thousands of Lives
Researchers at the University of East Anglia trialed providing free vape starter kits to smokers in UK emergency departments. After six months, 7.2% of the vape group had quit smoking compared to 4.1% in the control group. Offering vapes in A&E settings could help reach populations who may not access traditional cessation services, potentially leading to over 22,000 additional quitters annually. Emergency rooms offer a unique opportunity for behavior change due to heightened health awareness. Transitioning smokers to vapes could lead to significant health and financial benefits for individuals and healthcare systems. Expanding this approach is supported if adequately funded to avoid staff strain.
12.90% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 7.2 million current smokers in United Kingdom 14.60% of men are current smokers but only 11.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
