A Digital Training Program Successfully Increased Oncology Nurses' Intention to Support Safe Cannabis Use
In a pilot randomized trial of 70 oncology nurses, a theory-based digital education program significantly increased nurses' intention to support safe cannabis use in young adult cancer patients compared to a control group.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Among 70 oncology nurses randomized 1:1, 89% in the intervention group completed the full digital educational program. Intention to support safe cannabis use significantly increased in the intervention group compared to controls (p = 0.016). The intervention was grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior.
Key Numbers
70 nurses randomized (35 per arm). 89% intervention completion rate (31/35). 57 completed 1-month follow-up. 60% of participants over age 40. 74% held a bachelor's degree. Significant increase in intention (p = 0.016).
How They Did This
Two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial with 70 oncology nurses (35 intervention, 35 control). The intervention was a digital educational program on cannabis use in young adult (18–39) cancer patients. Outcomes measured at baseline and 1 month: knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and intention to support safe cannabis use. Analyzed with linear mixed effects models.
Why This Research Matters
Young adults with cancer frequently use cannabis for symptom management, but most oncology nurses lack training to guide patients safely. This study demonstrates that targeted digital education can change clinical practice intentions, filling a critical gap in cancer care.
The Bigger Picture
As cannabis use among cancer patients increases, healthcare providers need practical training. This study shows digital education can be feasible and effective at scale, potentially reaching nurses who lack in-person training opportunities on cannabis.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Pilot study — small sample for a definitive trial. Measured intention, not actual practice behavior change. Short follow-up (1 month). Active control group (not no-treatment). No patient outcomes measured.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would increased intention translate to actual changes in nursing practice?
- ?Could this program be adapted for other healthcare professions?
- ?Would patient outcomes improve if nurses were better trained on cannabis?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Pilot randomized controlled trial with appropriate methodology, but small sample and short follow-up measuring intention rather than behavior.
- Study Age:
- Published 2025.
- Original Title:
- Evaluation of a Digital Educational Intervention to Enhance Oncology Nurse Professional Practice to Support Safe Cannabis Use: A Pilot Study.
- Published In:
- The Journal of continuing education in the health professions (2025)
- Authors:
- Vinette, Billy(4), Côté, José(6), Bilodeau, Karine(2)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-07878
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do oncology nurses need cannabis training?
Young adults with cancer frequently use cannabis for pain, anxiety, and nausea. Nurses who interact with these patients need knowledge about safe use, drug interactions, and evidence-based guidance rather than avoiding the topic.
Could this program be used in other healthcare settings?
The Theory of Planned Behavior framework and digital delivery make this approach adaptable. Primary care, palliative care, and mental health settings could benefit from similar cannabis education programs.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-07878APA
Vinette, Billy; Côté, José; Bilodeau, Karine. (2025). Evaluation of a Digital Educational Intervention to Enhance Oncology Nurse Professional Practice to Support Safe Cannabis Use: A Pilot Study.. The Journal of continuing education in the health professions. https://doi.org/10.1097/CEH.0000000000000631
MLA
Vinette, Billy, et al. "Evaluation of a Digital Educational Intervention to Enhance Oncology Nurse Professional Practice to Support Safe Cannabis Use: A Pilot Study.." The Journal of continuing education in the health professions, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1097/CEH.0000000000000631
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Evaluation of a Digital Educational Intervention to Enhance ..." RTHC-07878. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/vinette-2025-evaluation-of-a-digital
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.