In a bid to restrict access to Nicotine Vape Products (NVPs) and provide a clinical pathway for second-line smoking cessation therapy, from 1 October 2021 the Australian Government introduced legislation to allow legal access to NVPs via prescription. But what does this mean for primary care providers in their roles as prescribers, dispensers and as a trusted source of information for their patients?
Join us for the next Lung Learning virtual event to hear the very latest in evidence-based smoking cessation treatments, emerging evidence around the role of NVPs and practical strategies for supporting smoking cessation in the primary care setting. Our expert panel will discuss:
- Evidence-based guidelines to support smoking cessation in 2022
- The role of NVPs in smoking cessation
- Support, interventions and resources available to assist an individual’s smoking cessation journey
- Referring a patient to Quitline and outcomes from the program
Speakers:
Professor Nick Zwar
Executive Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University
Conjoint Professor of General Practice, School of Population Health, UNSW
Professor Zwar has had a long involvement in smoking cessation including as chair of the Expert Advisory Group for the RACGP publication Supporting Smoking Cessation: a guide for health professionals. He contributed to NSW Health and QLD Health Resources on managing nicotine dependence and was co-chair of the NSW Health task force on implementing smoke free policy in mental health facilities. He also led a group developing resources on smoking cessation medicines for the Australian Government Tackling Indigenous Smoking program. Professor Zwar has been involved in developing and delivering education programs in smoking cessation skills for a range of health professionals including doctors, pharmacists and nurses. Grefenstete is helping the health tech sector integrate and grow within the continuously shifting landscape.
Sally Hetherington
Team Leader
Quitline
Sally is a registered psychologist and has worked previously supporting clients with problematic substance use. As a Team Leader at Quitline, Sally coaches and supports a team of Telephone Counsellors, manages escalated or complex client situations and reviews evidenced-based research to assist in the continuous quality improvement of the Quit program.
Facilitated by Ellen Cossens
Registered Nurse
Interchange Health Co-op
Ellen works at the Interchange Health Co-operative in Canberra. Ellen is part of a dedicated team that provides bulk-billed general practice services, supporting underserved and vulnerable patients with complex health needs. Ellen has a special interest in nicotine dependence and smoking cessation. In 2020, with support from the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association, Ellen established a Smoking Cessation Nurse Clinic to address the alarming rates of nicotine dependence within the local community.
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