Quit Insights Clinical Series

How do you choose the right smoking cessation treatment when patients present with complex medical histories, pregnancy, cardiovascular disease or mental health conditions? In this episode, Dr Cora Mayer, practicing GP and GP Lead at Quit Centre, joins Paulette Trevena to explore key pharmacological approaches to smoking cessation through a series of practical clinical case studies. Together, they discuss important considerations when prescribing nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline and bupropion, including contraindications, drug interactions, pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations, cardiovascular risks, mental health histories and seizure risk. Dr Mayer also explains the importance of behavioural support alongside pharmacotherapy, highlights current evidence around vaping cessation and therapeutic vapes, and shares practical guidance for tailoring smoking cessation treatment plans to individual patient needs. This episode is designed to support GPs and other health professionals in making informed and evidence-based decisions when helping patients quit smoking. This podcast is intended for health professionals and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content discussed does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice and should not replace your own clinical judgment. Resources: Paulette Trevena: LinkedIn Quit My Quit Plan My QuitBuddy App Cancer Council Victoria See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can health professionals safely and effectively support smoking and vaping cessation during pregnancy? In this episode, Hao Vo-Tran, Medicines Information and Publication Pharmacist at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, discusses the clinical importance of addressing smoking and vaping in pregnancy. This discussion explores the significant risks smoking poses to both mother and baby and the evidence supporting smoking and vaping cessation interventions. Health professionals will also learn when pharmacotherapy such as nicotine replacement therapy may be appropriate, how it compares to continued smoking and vaping, and key clinical considerations when supporting pregnant patients through cessation. This podcast is intended for health professionals and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content discussed does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice and should not replace your own clinical judgment. Resources: Hao Vo-Tran: LinkedIn Paulette Trevena: LinkedIn Royal Women's Hospital Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Quit Centre Quit Quitline referral My Quit Plan My QuitBuddy App  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can health professionals start effective conversations with patients about smoking and vaping cessation, even in busy clinical settings? In this episode, Quit Centre clinical team members Cora Mayer (GP Lead), Jennifer Kyi (Pharmacist Advisor), and Stacey Ridley (Nurse Advisor) discuss practical approaches to discussing nicotine dependence with patients. Listeners will learn how the Ask, Advise, Help (AAH) brief advice model can be used across general practice, pharmacy, and primary health care nursing settings to support smoking and vaping cessation. The discussion also explores real-world examples of integrating cessation conversations into routine care, highlights the importance of preventative health interventions, and explains how clinicians can partner with Quitline to provide ongoing support for patients who want to quit. This podcast is intended for health professionals and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content discussed does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice and should not replace your own clinical judgment. Resources: Jennifer Kyi: LinkedIn Stacey Ridley: LinkedIn Paulette Trevena: LinkedIn AAH Model Quit Centre Quit Quitline referral My Quit Plan My QuitBuddy App See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do health professionals need to know about vaping in young people and how can they support patients to quit? In this episode, respiratory and sleep physician Dr Moya Vandeleur shares frontline insights into the prevalence of vape use among young people, including how often it appears in clinical practice, and the key warning signs health professionals should be aware of. You’ll learn about the health risks of vaping, the role of nicotine addiction in young people, and the evidence behind the “gateway effect” to smoking. Dr Vandeleur also walks through practical strategies for health professionals, including how to start the conversation, the importance of follow-up, and treatment approaches such as behavioural support and pharmacotherapy. Plus, she shares guidance for supporting parents and highlights trusted resources to help young people quit. This podcast is intended for health professionals and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content discussed does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice and should not replace your own clinical judgment. Resources: Paulette Trevena: LinkedIn For resources, transcripts and more, visit our website. Quit Centre Quit Quitline referral My Quit Plan My QuitBuddy App See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does Quitline support patients who want to stop smoking or vaping, and what happens when a health professional makes a referral? In this episode, Quitline counsellors David and Beige speak about how the service works and the important role health professionals play in connecting patients to multi-session behavioural counselling. Listeners will learn how Quitline counselling helps people to plan, make and sustain a quit attempt, why patients do not need to be ready to quit before being referred, and how the service complements brief advice provided in clinical settings. The conversation also explores how Quitline tailors support to the individual and for priority populations – along with practical insights into the referral process and the benefits of integrating Quitline support into patient care. This podcast is intended for health professionals and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content discussed does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice and should not replace your own clinical judgment. Resources: Paulette Trevena: LinkedIn For resources, transcripts and more, visit our website. Quit Quit Centre Quitline referral My Quit Plan My QuitBuddy App See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 How strong is the link between smoking and lung cancer and is it ever too late to quit? In this episode, Associate Professor Henry Marshall shares the latest evidence on smoking-related lung cancer risk, including why smoking remains the leading cause. He also explains the powerful benefits of quitting—even after a diagnosis—and why early action can significantly improve outcomes. You’ll also learn how Australia’s National Lung Cancer Screening Program creates a critical opportunity to support smoking cessation in a non-stigmatising way. Henry breaks down best-practice approaches for health professionals, including the “Ask, Advise, Help” model, the importance of proactive care, and how combining screening with smoking cessation is synergistic. Plus, practical tips on patient-centred conversations. This podcast is intended for health professionals and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content discussed does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice and should not replace your own clinical judgment. Resources: Henry Marshall: LinkedIn Paulette Trevena: LinkedIn For resources, transcripts and more, visit our website. Quit Quit Centre Quitline referral My Quit Plan My QuitBuddy App See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.