Table 3 Inclusion and exclusion criteria for an updated review on e-cigarettes
Inclusion | Exclusion | |
|---|---|---|
Population | Adults (≥ 18 years) who are current tobacco smokers (as defined by a given study) | ▪ Studies exclusively in children/adolescents (i.e. under 18 years old) ▪ Studies that involve interventions targeted to adults other than the tobacco smoker (e.g. partners, healthcare providers) |
Intervention | • Nicotine or non-nicotine containing e-cigarettesa • Nicotine or non-nicotine containing e-cigarettes combined with other smoking cessation treatment (behaviour and/or pharmacological) | Studies exclusively examining short-term use of nicotine or non-nicotine containing e-cigarettes (i.e. < 1 week) |
Comparator | KQ2a: ▪ Non-nicotine containing e-cigarettes (i.e. placebo e-cigarettes) ▪ No intervention ▪ Usual/standard care ▪ Waitlist ▪ Minimal intervention KQ2b: • Alternative nicotine containing e-cigarettes (e.g. different generation e-cigarette or e-cigarette containing a different dose of nicotine) • Non-nicotine containing e-cigarettes • Other smoking cessation aids (e.g. nicotine replacement therapy) | Studies exclusively examining short-term use of nicotine or non-nicotine containing e-cigarettes (i.e. < 1 week) |
Outcomes | Critical • Tobacco use abstinence (as defined in the study) Important • Reduction in tobacco smoking frequency/quantity • Relapse (KQ2b only)b • Quality of life (using validated scales) • Adverse events (as defined in a given review) • Possible adverse outcomes: o Weight gain o Changes in emotional state (e.g. increases in anxiety, changes in mood, irritability) o Loss of social groupc | |
Timing of outcome assessment | For abstinence/relapse, and quality of life outcomes: Minimum 6 months from quit date (if reported) or from initiation of intervention (if quit date not specified) All other outcomes: • Any point after initiation of intervention | |
Setting | Settings that could serve as the primary point of contact for individuals to receive smoking cessation advice, including: Family medicine clinics Walk-in clinics • Smoking cessation clinics • Urgent care facilities • Emergency departments • Public health units • Pharmacies • Dental offices • Behavioural health/substance use treatment facilities (ambulatory or outpatient) • Telehealth • Academic research settings | ▪ Studies in settings not relevant to primary care including workplaces, schools, inpatient settings, and medical specialist settings ▪ Studies that take place in countries “high”, “medium”, or “low” on the Human Development Index http://hdr.undp.org/en/composite/HDI |
Study design | For benefits: • Randomized controlled trials For harms: • Randomized controlled trials • Non-randomized controlled trials • Comparative observational study designs (e.g. prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case-control studies) | For benefits: • Non-randomized controlled trials • Observational study designs For harms: • Non-comparative studies • Cross-sectional studies For benefits and harms: • Systematic reviews • Case reports, case series • Editorials • Commentaries |
Language | ▪ English ▪ French | |
Dates of publication | ▪ Date of last search of the review to present date |