Implementing Screening and Treatment Pathways for Teens Who Vape in a Community-Based Pediatrics Clinic in Northern California.

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this report was to summarize implementation of universal screening and treatment pathways for youth vaping in a large, community-based health care system in the United States.

Methods: Data were obtained as a part of routine clinical care and were extracted from medical records weekly for 4 years. Variables reported include number of teens screened, teens who tested positive, referrals, and quit rates, as well as gender and race or ethnicity.

Results: Of the 16,671 visits, 12,165 (73%) teens were screened, 632 (5.2%) teens screened positive, and of those who screened positive, 128 (20%) referrals were placed. For those who were referred, 40 teens (31.3%) quit vaping (abstinence for at least 3 weeks) and 21 (16%) decided to receive nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges).

Conclusions: This study outlines a screening and intervening pathway that can be used in other health care systems in the United States and beyond. Teen vaping can be addressed before it becomes a serious addiction. Institutions can experience cost-saving benefits in that increasing outreach efforts and education would ultimately reduce the number of inpatient/emergency department visits/hospitalizations related to vaping.