title: Patient-physician communication regarding electronic cigarettes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Smokers are likely asking their physicians about the safety of e-cigarettes and their potential role as a cessation tool; however, the research literature on this communication is scant. A pilot study of physicians in the United States was conducted to investigate physician-patient communication regarding e-cigarettes.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 158 physicians were recruited from a direct marketing e-mail list and completed a short, web-based survey between January and April 2014. The survey addressed demographics, physician specialty, patient-provider e-cigarette communication, and attitudes towards tobacco harm reduction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nearly two-thirds (65%) of physicians reported being asked about e-cigarettes by their patients, and almost a third (30%) reported that they have recommended e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool. Male physicians were significantly more likely to endorse a harm reduction approach.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Physician communication about e-cigarettes may shape patients' perceptions about the products. More research is needed to explore the type of information that physicians share with their patients regarding e-cigarettes and harm reduction.
authors: Division of General Internal Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
authors: Michael B
authors: MB
authors: Steinberg
authors: Center for Tobacco Studies, Rutgers School of Public Health, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
authors: Daniel P
authors: DP
authors: Giovenco
authors: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Center for Tobacco Studies, Rutgers School of Public Health, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
authors: Cristine D
authors: CD
authors: Delnevo
keywords: E-cigarettes; Harm reduction; Physicians; Tobacco