Healthcare professionals’ experiences with electronic nicotine delivery systems and heated tobacco products: a qualitative study

As in the general population, the use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) is rising among healthcare professionals. Because health care professionals are trusted sources of information, role models for the public, and influential in shaping health policies, understanding their experiences has direct implications for clinical practice, health education, and tobacco control policy.
This study aims to explore health care professionals’ experiences with ENDS/HTPs.
This study employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenological design. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 16 healthcare professionals across Türkiye between 8 January and March 24 2025 and were reported according to COREQ. Interviews (≈20 minutes) were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in MAXQDA.
Five themes emerged: Patterns and habits, Reasons for initiation, Perceived health effects, Professional role and identity, and Cessation process. ENDS/HTPs used among health care professionals is shaped by convenience and workplace context, often co-occurs with cigarette smoking, and generates perceived adverse effects and role conflict.
Findings highlight the need for evidence-based training for health care professionals, tailored cessation services specific to ENDS/HTPs, and policy measures that strengthen health care professionals’ role-model and leadership functions in tobacco control. Future longitudinal and mixed-methods studies should track knowledge, behavior, and cessation outcomes over time.