Study register · detailKohortenstudie · Cancer · 2022
Experiences, patient interactions and knowledge regarding the use of cannabis as a medicine in a cohort of New Zealand doctors in an oncology setting.
Oldfield et al.·Postgraduate medical journalImpact 2.4
UnclearGRADEVery low12 citations
Samplen = 45 Pat.
DurationNovember 2019 to January 2020
EndpointPhysician-patient interactions
Blindingn.a.
DesignKohortenstudie
”Key finding
Study documents frequency of patient inquiries about cannabis-based products (84% of physicians reported this) and knowledge gaps among oncologists; this is a descriptive observational study without measurement of an intervention effect.
Summary
Cross-sectional survey among n=45 physicians (response rate 85%) in 4 New Zealand oncology departments, November 2019–January 2020. 37/44 (84%, 95% CI: 70–93%) reported patient inquiries about cannabis products; 43/44 (98%, 95% CI: 88–100%) reported patient use of illegal cannabis for medical symptoms. Reasons for inquiries: pain, nausea/vomiting, cancer treatment. 36/44 (82%, 95% CI: 67–92%) expressed concerns about future prescribing, all were willing to use products with traditional medical provenance.
P
PopulationPhysicians (oncology) in New Zealand, n=45, from four secondary care hospitals
I
InterventionCross-sectional survey on experiences, patient interactions and knowledge level regarding medical cannabis
O
Outcome84% of physicians reported patient inquiries about prescribing cannabis-based products; 98% reported patients with illegal cannabis use for medical purposes; 73% knew at least one cannabis-based product; 60% named at least one indication with efficacy evidence; 82% expressed concerns regarding future prescribing
Confidence in the evidence
Very lowLowModerateHigh
Very low
The lowest GRADE level, the effect estimate remains uncertain.
Downgraded for
Imprecision
Quality profile
Sample size★★★★★
Blinding—
Effect size—
Citations / year★★★★★
Authors
Oldfield K, Eathorne A, Tewhaiti-Smith J, Beasley R, Semprini A, Braithwaite I
Purpose Of Study: To explore the experiences, patient interactions and knowledge regarding the use of cannabis as a medicine in New Zealand doctors in an oncology setting.
Study Design: An observational cross-sectional survey undertaken between November 2019 and January 2020 across four secondary-care hospital oncology departments within New Zealand (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin). Participants were a convenience sample of doctors; consultants, registrars, medical officers of special status and house surgeons working in oncology departments. Of 53 individuals approached, 45 participated (85% Response Rate). The primary outcome was reporteddoctor-patient interactions. Secondary outcomes included knowledge of cannabis-based products, their efficacy, prescribing regulations and educational access.
Results: Of 44 doctors, 37 (84%, 95% CI: 70 to 93) reported patient requests to prescribe cannabis-based products and 43 (98%, 95% CI: 88 to 100) reported patients using illicit cannabis for medical symptoms. Primary request reasons were pain, nausea/vomiting and cancer treatment. 33/45 (73%, 95% CI: 58 to 85) cited knowledge of at least one cannabis-based product and 27/45 (60%, 95% CI: 44 to 74) indicated at least one condition that had evidence of efficacy. 36/44 (82%, 95% CI: 67 to 92) expressed future prescribing concerns but all were willing to use a cannabis-based product developed with traditional medical provenance.
Conclusion: In the oncology setting, patients are asking doctors about symptomatic and curative treatment with cannabis-based products. Doctors are not biased against the use of products showing medical provenance; however, NZ-specific clinical and regulatory guidelines are essential to support patient discussions and appropriate prescribing.