Smoking and Vaping

Despite dramatic declines in the number of people who smoke, smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in British Columbia. Smoking is a significant risk factor for many chronic lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer. It also increases the risk of flare-ups for patients with lung diseases such as COPD, asthma, and others. Although vaping or e-cigarette use is sometimes used as a smoking cessation aid, vaping exposes people to nicotine and other chemicals that can harm their health and contribute to nicotine addiction. Tobacco use disorder is recognized as a chronic relapsing condition by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) and can be treated with medications and behavioural counselling.

Research

Researchers at the Air Pollution Exposure Laboratory are investigating the health implications of vaping, as well as the impacts of stopping or quitting. The research program is building evidence for clinical guidelines for vaping cessation.

Legacy for Airway Health has led several stakeholder engagement initiatives related to smoking/vaping prevention and cessation. LAH convened the BC Smoking Cessation Community of Practice in response to an identified need to coordinate activities related to smoking cessation and vaping. This group includes healthcare providers, researchers, service providers, and government representatives from across British Columbia. Together, they strive to optimize smoking cessation services in BC through screening, referrals to support and treatment services, education and awareness, and collaboration around emerging and best practices. The BC Smoking Cessation Community of Practice has been leading quality improvement initiatives designed to improve support and outcomes for people living with tobacco use disorder.

Care

The Vancouver General Hospital Smoking Cessation Clinic offers evidence-based treatment for tobacco use disorder. This is done both in person or virtually. The care provided is longitudinal and individualized. In recent years, this service has also sought to meet the needs of those who maybe using electronic cigarettes and require assistance to stop doing so. Established in 2009, the clinic has provided training for a variety of healthcare professionals and supports wider tobacco control initiatives.

The Centre for Lung Health Clinic also offers smoking cessation support as part of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) education for patients referred by their respirologist or during follow-up after a hospital stay. Our certified respiratory educators/respiratory therapists support patients with smoking cessation strategies and resources.

There is a free weekly drop-in support group at Vancouver General Hospital. Anyone who uses tobacco products (including cigarettes and vape pens) is welcome to drop in for sessions with a counsellor trained in tobacco addiction.

Research

Researchers at the Air Pollution Exposure Laboratory are investigating the health implications of vaping, as well as the impacts of stopping or quitting. The research program is building evidence for clinical guidelines for vaping cessation.

Legacy for Airway Health has led several stakeholder engagement initiatives related to smoking/vaping prevention and cessation. LAH convened the BC Smoking Cessation Community of Practice in response to an identified need to coordinate activities related to smoking cessation and vaping. This group includes healthcare providers, researchers, service providers, and government representatives from across British Columbia. Together, they strive to optimize smoking cessation services in BC through screening, referrals to support and treatment services, education and awareness, and collaboration around emerging and best practices. The BC Smoking Cessation Community of Practice has been leading quality improvement initiatives designed to improve support and outcomes for people living with tobacco use disorder.

Care

The Vancouver General Hospital Smoking Cessation Clinic offers evidence-based treatment for tobacco use disorder. This is done both in person or virtually. The care provided is longitudinal and individualized. In recent years, this service has also sought to meet the needs of those who maybe using electronic cigarettes and require assistance to stop doing so. Established in 2009, the clinic has provided training for a variety of healthcare professionals and supports wider tobacco control initiatives.

The Centre for Lung Health Clinic also offers smoking cessation support as part of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) education for patients referred by their respirologist or during follow-up after a hospital stay. Our certified respiratory educators/respiratory therapists support patients with smoking cessation strategies and resources.

There is a free weekly drop-in support group at Vancouver General Hospital. Anyone who uses tobacco products (including cigarettes and vape pens) is welcome to drop in for sessions with a counsellor trained in tobacco addiction.

People