FROM the start of this year, every doctor and nurse practitioner will be able to prescribe therapeutic vaping products dispensed only through pharmacies, where clinically appropriate, with the commencement of a new Special Access Scheme pathway.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Supporting smoking cessation: A guide for health professionals to ensure it is up-to-date and in line with best practice.
These updates will incorporate guidance on vaping cessation strategies, including the provision of support to young people.
Draft interim guidance reflecting the changes are now available.
The Govt has committed $29.5 million over four years for specialised programs and health service expansions to meet increased demand to support people to quit smoking and vaping arising from the new tobacco and vaping reforms (PD 11 Dec).
These include new clinical guidance for health professionals on smoking and vaping cessation, building on the RACGP's work as well as the creation of an online cessation hub that contains information, tools, resources and linkages to direct people to the support mechanisms to assist them to quit smoking and vaping.
The redevelopment of the My Quit Buddy app will also provide both smoking and vaping cessation support, as will the expansion of state and territory Quitline services to support equitable access across the country.
In addition, the Quit Centre has been funded until 2025 to develop and deliver training, resources, and tools for health professionals. JG
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