Takeaway
Healthcare professionals can prioritize ongoing conversations about the risks of smoking and vaping with young patients, tailoring their approach to address specific concerns and misconceptions.
Lifelong Learning in Clinical Excellence | December 10, 2024 | 1 min read
By Mike Fingerhood, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine
15-year-old Alex had been vaping for almost a year. What started as a casual experiment with friends quickly escalated into a daily habit. He’d tried to quit a few times, but the cravings were too strong. Stories like this are all too common. As healthcare professionals, it’s our responsibility to help young people understand the risks of smoking and vaping.
Adolescent smoking and vaping rates have been on the decline, but the issue remains a significant public health concern. As healthcare professionals, it’s crucial to have open and honest conversations with young patients about the risks associated with these harmful habits. Here are some tips to help you effectively address this topic:
Create a safe space
Establish a comfortable and non-judgmental environment where patients feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings. Use verbal and nonverbal cues to show that you’re engaged in the conversation. Show empathy and understanding for your patient’s concerns and experiences.
Start the conversation early
Begin discussing the dangers of smoking and vaping at an early age, tailoring the conversation to the patient’s developmental stage. Make it clear that talking about these topics is normal and important.
Communicate
Utilize images, videos, or infographics to help young patients understand the harmful effects of smoking and vaping. Connect the information to your patient’s specific interests and concerns. For example, if they’re an athlete, discuss the impact of smoking on lung function and athletic performance.
Focus on the positive
Emphasize the positive outcomes of quitting, such as improved lung health, increased energy levels, and a healthier appearance. Provide information about smoking cessation programs, nicotine replacement therapies, and other support services. Acknowledge your patient’s efforts to quit smoking or vaping and offer encouragement and praise.
Be patient and persistent
Recognize that nicotine addiction can be challenging to overcome. Check in with your patient regularly to monitor their progress and provide additional support as needed. Keep the conversation going, even if your patient isn’t ready to quit immediately. Emphasize progress and commend efforts that result in decreased use.
Disclosures: AI was used to construct the first draft of this piece.
This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.