Evaluation of national cannabis care needs for therapeutic purposes
- Between 2013 and 2014, a national nursing survey was conducted in Canada.
- Its results were to reveal the level of their knowledge of medical cannabis.
In Canada, access to cannabis for medical purposes (ACMPR) has been granted to healthcare professionals (NPs) who have the authority to grant authorized cannabis use for therapeutic purposes (CTP). This extension of the NP practice range means that it is important to provide evidence-based balanced education on NP cannabis.
Objective of the study
The aim of this nationalThe study was to assess the shortcomings of CTP-related NP knowledge and practice to inform about the development of future educational resources that enhance the clinical competence of NPs and improve patient care for medical cannabis.
Methods
Jednis a quantitative, descriptive exploratory study. The entire National NP survey took place from August 2013 to June 2014 . The NPs were approached by e-mail lists held by numerous Canadian nursing organizations. The survey was modified from previous national research that assessed CTPs educational needs in Canadian doctors. The survey assessed the knowledge, experience, barriers and attitudes of NPs related to CTP as well as the preferred format for future CTP training.
Results
The sample consisted of 182 medical staff from across Canada. The greatest lack of knowledge was related to dosing and formationeffective treatment plans for patients using CTP. Most respondents (76.3%) assessed the need for CTP education as "heavily needed" or "very needy". More than half (57%) said it would be convenient to allow medical cannabis through ACMPR, this figure increased to 64% if they received adequate education.
Conclusion
Regulatory organizations caregivers in partnership with academic institutions and government agencies must work to develop CTP-specific educational and clinical competences.
Adapted training programs are needed to address knowledge gaps that NPs and clinical barriers they face, including CTP as part of their care.
Sources: "A National Needs Assessment of Canadian Nurse Practitioners Regarding Cannabis for Therapeutic Purposes."