1. Preferences and Barriers for Cannabis Use in Cancer Care A survey-study of cancer patients and oncology health care providers Andrew McLennan, Supervisor: Linda Carlson Department of Psychosocial Oncology, University of Calgary, AB
34% of patients “unknowledgeable” about medical cannabis
84% of HCPs lack knowledge to make recommendations to patients.
OUR FINDINGS
Patient Barriers:
Insufficient knowledge
Lack of access to information
Lack of quality communication with HCPs
HCP Barriers:
Insufficient knowledge.
Monitoring patient M cannabis use.
Prescribing doses/strains.
Insufficient empirical evidence
Preferences:
70% of patients would use a M cannabis-education program
53% of HCPs very interested in receiving M cannabis training/education
SOME HISTORY
Research supports M cannabis as an effective treatment for cancer-related symptoms (Abrams, 2016).
Increased use has resulted in an increase in barriers for cancer patients and oncology HCPs.
Using without a prescription from their treating oncologist
70% of oncologists uncomfortable prescribing M cannabis (Bruan, 2018)
Integrating M cannabis is not exactly “smooth sailing”
WHAT WE DID
Two anonymous surveys created, measuring objective outcomes.
Patient participants recruited at TBCC/Holy Cross Site outpatient clinics, Calgary, AB.
HCP participants recruited at TBCC/ Holy Cross Site via AHS .
OUR FINDINGS
Patient Knowledge HCP Knowledge
OUR RESEARCH QUESTION
What approaches can be identified to facilitate the appropriate prescription and use of M cannabis in cancer care?
OBJ 1: Investigate patients’ knowledge, beliefs, barriers, and preferences.
OBJ 2: Investigate HCPs knowledge, beliefs, barriers, and preferences.
OBJ 3: Investigate associations between cannabis use, anxiety, and depression in patients.
OUR CONCLUSIONS
Many cancer patients are using cannabis.
Both groups lack sufficient knowledge and communication is a barrier
Steps should be taken to increase awareness, knowledge, and training.