Australian nurses want to discuss medicinal cannabis with patients but lack the confidence and education to do so effectively.
Nursing educators, healthcare administrators, and medicinal cannabis policymakers.
All 11 nurses emphasized the need for medicinal cannabis education
What the researchers found
Eleven nurses described feeling underprepared. Three themes: searching for predictable processes, facing conundrums, and recognizing much to learn. All emphasized the need for education.
Why it matters
As medicinal cannabis grows, nurses on the front lines receive little training. This gap affects patient experience and potentially safety.
The numbers in context
11 nurses interviewed. Three themes. All emphasized education needs.
How the study worked
Qualitative study with thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 11 registered nurses in Australian healthcare. COREQ guidelines followed.
What this study cannot tell us
Small sample (n=11). Australian only. Not generalizable.
How to read the evidence
Small qualitative study, rich but not generalizable.
When this study was published
Published in 2024.
The bigger picture
First study of nurses' experiences with medicinal cannabis patients in Australian healthcare. Findings likely apply globally.
Questions still open
- Would standardized cannabis education modules improve patient care?
- Should nurses be in cannabis policy development?
Common questions
Are nurses trained in medicinal cannabis?
Can nurses discuss cannabis with patients?
Read the original research
An Exploration of Registered Nurses' Experiences Caring for Patients Taking Medicinal Cannabis.
Nursing open, 11(10), e70063
Citation
McIntosh, Nicole; Wilson, Nathan J; Povalej, Petra; Hunt, Leanne; Lewis, Peter. (2024). An Exploration of Registered Nurses' Experiences Caring for Patients Taking Medicinal Cannabis.. Nursing open, 11(10), e70063. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.70063
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