An Exploration of Registered Nurses' Experiences Caring for Patients Taking Medicinal Cannabis

This study aimed to describe nurses' experiences caring for patients who use medicinal cannabis. For the purpose of this study, the term 'medicinal cannabis' is used to describe cannabis-based products that are sourced legally or illegally.

Qualitative study using thematic analysis.

Eleven registered nurses explored their experiences caring for patients using medicinal cannabis in the Australian healthcare sector. Semistructured interviews were via telephone, Zoom or face to face. Transcribed interview data were analysed using the six phases of thematic analysis.

The nurses' experiences of caring for patients who use medicinal cannabis were described in three themes; 'Searching for predictable processes of regulation, access and use of medicinal cannabis', 'One conundrum after another' and 'There is a lot to learn'. Overall, nurses described feeling underprepared to care for patients who use or want to use medicinal cannabis in the Australian healthcare sector.

The results indicate that nurses want to have meaningful discussions with patients about the use of medicinal cannabis, yet do not always have the confidence to do so. Nurses sought their own education on how to better support patients. All participants echoed the need for education. The nurse's role in caring for and supporting patients using medicinal cannabis could improve the patient experience.

Nurses play an essential role in improving the patient's experience and advocating for those using or wanting to discuss medicinal cannabis as a part of holistic care. Defining the nurse's role in effectively caring for patients can begin by providing evidence-based education to nurses. Including nurses in policy development and beginning to understand the legal and regulatory implications for nurses are important.

This is the first study presenting current issues for nurses who care for patients using medicinal cannabis in Australian healthcare systems.

COREQ guidelines were adhered to for this study.

For this research project on the experiences of registered nurses caring for patients using medicinal cannabis, we did not engage members of the patient population or the general public.