Authors (including presenting author) :
Ms. Lai FSP, Dr. Tam JH, Ms. Kong MS, Ms. Wong KY, Mr. Leung SH, Dr. Ying GCD, Dr. Li WSV, Dr. Ko SH
Affiliation :
Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Kowloon Central Cluster
Keyword 3: :
Novel tobacco product (NTP)
Keyword 4: :
Primary Healthcare
Introduction :
The emergence of novel tobacco products (NTPs), such as e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products, poses new challenges to existing smoking cessation frameworks. In the Kowloon Central Cluster (KCC), frontline nursing counsellors play a central role in the Smoke Cessation and Counselling Programme (SCCP).
Objectives :
This study aimed to evaluate these counsellors’ baseline knowledge, clinical experience, and self-reported confidence in managing NTPs users, and to identify their specific training needs in this evolving area.
Methodology :
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among nursing counsellors within the KCC Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare. A structured questionnaire was administered to assess four key domains: (1) awareness and knowledge of NTPs; (2) clinical experience with .NTP users; (3) self-perceived confidence in delivering cessation advice; and (4) perceived need for updated clinical guidelines and further education.
Result & Outcome :
Result: Eighty nursing counsellors completed the questionnaire. In terms of product awareness, no respondents reported being “very familiar” with NTPs; all possessed only basic or minimal knowledge. Regarding clinical exposure, 10% of counsellors had encountered more than 10 NTP users in their practice. Confidence levels were generally low, with 87.5% of participants feeling “insufficiently confident” to provide evidence-based counselling. The main barriers included the lack of official guidelines, limited understanding of health risks, and the perceived “ambiguity of harm,” as some patients considered NTPs less harmful than conventional tobacco products and thus were more resistant to cessation advice. All respondents (100%) indicated that NTP-specific clinical guidelines would be “significantly helpful,” and 80% rated additional NTP-focused training as a “high priority.” Conclusion
There is a discernible gap between the increasing clinical encounters with users of NTPs and the confidence of frontline nursing counsellors in managing this client group. These findings emphasize the pressing need to update local and corporate smoking cessation guidelines to include NTP-specific protocols. Moreover, the development and implementation of structured Smoking Cessation Counsellor Programme (SCCP) training—covering product characteristics, health impacts, and tailored behavioral intervention strategies are essential to maintain the quality and effectiveness of smoking cessation services in primary care.
