E-cigarettes for harm reduction: Starting with priority populations

This session will look at the role of e-cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy for high priority individuals, specifically those with high smoking prevalence or with the most immediate risk of particular health harm.

Smoking cessation is the most effective means of slowing the decline of lung function associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but while effective smoking cessation treatments are available, they are underutilized and nearly half of people with COPD continue to smoke. In this session, Dr Sherman will present the findings from a recent pilot study that looked to identify barriers and facilitators to the use of and assess the preliminary effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy for people with COPD, CAD or PAD who currently smoke. Dr Sherman will incorporate findings from their ongoing studies for people with opioid use disorder, mental health diagnosis and HIV.

Finally, Dr Sherman will talk about the launch of a new Center on vaping for both nicotine and cannabis products.