Clinical Cannabis Interprofessional Education: Program Development and Provider Knowledge

Background: Clinical cannabis, sometimes called medical marijuana, has been approved in 26 states and the District of Columbia, with many other states considering approval in 2018.  Clinical cannabis has been shown to improve multiple sclerosis (MS) related symptoms of spasticity and pain. However, providers who care for patients with MS have little education regarding potential benefits and risks. Oregon was the first state to decriminalize marijuana and was an early adopter of medical and recreational marijuana.

Objectives: Here we describe the development of an interprofessional clinical cannabis education program recently launched in Oregon. We will also present original data about provider knowledge of clinical cannabis.

Methods: In 2017, an interprofessional team consisting of neurology, physical therapy, pharmacy, and nursing, identified an unmet need for clinical cannabis education. Key stakeholders from an academic health center therefore developed an evidence-based program on clinical cannabis. There was an urgency for this initiative because The Oregon Medical Board recently recommended providers obtain three hours of continuing medical education on this topic. Five states also allow nurse practitioners to sign letters recommending clinical cannabis.

Results: We developed a program on cannabis and cannabinioids accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. The program objectives were: to describe the clinical pharmacology and pharmacodynamics of cannabis; identify potential cannabis drug-drug interactions; discuss potential benefits for chronic pain, insomnia, multiple sclerosis symptoms, and seizure disorders; understand potential adverse effects and; understand Oregon and Washington States’ Medical and Nursing Boards’ requirements and recommendations for cannabis referral. The university’s marketing team assisted with web development and recruitment though access to provider e-mail lists. 150 prescribers are expected to attend the meeting. We will administer an original 20-question survey to capture provider knowledge about clinical cannabis before and after this program. Survey results will be presented at the CMSC meeting. We will also administer the survey at the meeting and seek member input on unmet needs in their profession.

Conclusions: Clinical cannabis is widely available to people with MS. Medical providers have gaps in knowledge about clinical cannabis that can be filled with targeted education.