Local research highlights the need for stronger support for clinicians tackling youth vaping
New research involving clinicians from Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District has identified important gaps in how healthcare providers support adolescents who are trying to quit vaping, highlighting the need for clearer guidance, training and clinical tools.
The international study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, examined how healthcare professionals currently identify and support young people who vape.
The research was conducted through a collaborative partnership between clinicians and researchers from Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, The University of Sydney, The University of Notre Dame Australia and Federation University Australia, demonstrating the value of strong partnerships between health services and academic institutions in addressing emerging public health challenges.
Clinical Associate Professor Habib Bhurawala, Head of Paediatrics at Nepean Hospital, was a co-author of the study and said healthcare providers play an important role in helping young people understand the risks of vaping and supporting them to quit.
“Healthcare professionals are often the first point of contact for adolescents experiencing health concerns related to vaping,” Dr Bhurawala said.
“However, our research found that many clinicians feel they lack the training, resources and confidence needed to routinely screen for vaping and provide effective cessation support.”
The study analysed 14 international studies involving healthcare providers working with adolescents aged approximately 10 to 19 years.
While most clinicians reported some awareness of vaping and its risks, the review found that routine screening for vaping was significantly less common than screening for traditional cigarette smoking.
In some studies, up to 86 per cent of clinicians screened adolescents for cigarette smoking, compared with as few as 14 per cent routinely screening for vaping.
Researchers also found many healthcare providers were uncertain about the health effects of vaping, available cessation strategies and referral pathways for young people seeking help to quit.
A/Prof Dr Bhurawala said the findings reinforce the need for clearer clinical guidelines and targeted training to support frontline healthcare professionals.
“Vaping has increased rapidly among young people globally, and clinicians need the right tools and evidence-based guidance to respond effectively,” he said.
“Collaborative research like this helps ensure our healthcare workforce is better equipped to address emerging health risks and provide timely support to young people and their families.”
This research reflects NBMLHD’s ongoing commitment to collaborative research and partnerships with leading universities to strengthen clinical practice, inform policy and improve health outcomes for the community.
NSW Health encourages anyone seeking help to quit vaping to speak with their GP or a health professional.
Free support services are available, including Quitline on 13 7848 and the Aboriginal Quitline. Evidence-based information and practical resources for young people, parents, teachers and health professionals are also available through the NSW Health vaping resources hub.
More information can be accessed at
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/vaping-resources.aspx
The full study, What Strategies Do Healthcare Providers Use to Promote Adolescents’ Vaping Cessation? A Scoping Review is available online in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.