Grant: Knowledge Synthesis Grant

<html> <body> <p> <strong>Clearing the air: A systematic review of the evidence on the harms and benefits of e-cigarettes and vapour devices</strong> <br> <br>Sales and use of electronic cigarettes and vapour devices are on the rise, while at the same time, tobacco use causes six million deaths annually. In this meta-narrative systematic review, we will synthesize the research on e-cigarettes and vapour devices with respect to their possible harms to health and potential use as a harm reduction or tobacco cessation device. Consumer demand for these devices is rapidly growing in Canada and elsewhere but the public health community is divided over how vapour devices will impact the tobacco epidemic. Policy makers and public health researchers are asking: What are the health risks of e-cigarettes, and how do they compare to cigarettes? Will e-cigarette experimentation by youth lead to cigarette use? Can the devices be effective for tobacco cessation? and What is the potential toxicity of second-hand vapour?<br> <br>Through a comprehensive and unbiased review, we will endeavor to explain the discrepancies in the literature, and&nbsp;contribute to resolving the conflict in public health over this issue. The project's Knowledge Users (KUs) recently approached the Centre for Addictions Research of BC (CARBC) looking for evidence to answer their questions, and the current project team coalesced from these initial discussions. The Nominated PI is a CIHR/PHAC Applied Public Health Research Chair with extensive experience in leading knowledge synthesis and dissemination projects, and working with KUs to develop policy and practice recommendations. The Provincial Health Officer for BC is the Principal KU, bringing expertise in tobacco control by-laws, public health policy and practice, and harm reduction. The Co-PI is Director of CARBC providing research and policy leadership on the public health and safety impacts of substance use. Other KUs, investigators and staff&nbsp;offer important substantive and technical expertise related to public health policy, tobacco control strategy, knowledge mobilization (KMb), e-cigarettes, and library science. Together&nbsp;our team&nbsp;members have&nbsp;the knowledge and skills to successfully complete the project .<br> <br>An integrated knowledge translation (KT) approach is central to the proposed synthesis. Our research questions are based on our KUs' interests in vapour devices as an emerging policy issue. To collect the available evidence, we will use meta-narrative synthesis (MNS) to conduct a systematic review. MNS is a relatively recent synthesis methodology developed to summarize, synthesize and interpret a diverse body of literature&nbsp;where studies have used different methods, theoretical perspectives, and data types. The project is organized into&nbsp;six phases: planning, searching, mapping, appraisal, synthesis, and ending with recommendations and KT/KMb. The KUs will be engaged during all phases of the project. Through deliberation, team dialogue, and consultation with other end-users (beyond the immediate team), key messages will be summarized, and recommendations developed for practice, policy, and further research. Appropriate KT products will be produced based on the KUs' direction. We will identify potential stakeholder groups and develop&nbsp;strategies for disseminating the project's findings to them. The ultimate goal of this systematic review is to provide synthesized evidence to inform decisions and recommendations regarding use of e-cigarettes and vapour devices.</p> </body> </html>