ATTITUDES AND PRACTICE PATTERNS OF CANADIAN PHYSIATRISTS REGARDING MEDICAL CANNABIS

To assess practice patterns and attitudes of Canadian physiatrists, given their expertise in pain management and spasticity, conditions in which medical cannabis (MC) should be considered.

A 24-item, survey questionnaire was sent to physiatrists across Canada.

One hundred and nine physiatrists responded.

A structured web-based survey distributed to members of Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Inferential statistical analysis was conducted.

A majority of respondents acknowledged the medicinal value of MC, with 61% of respondents feeling comfortable discussing it, whereas only 31% felt comfortable authorizing MC. Years of work experience did not impact comfort regarding discussions of MC, but those with 21+ years of experience authorized MC more frequently. A significant relationship was observed between subspecialty and MC prescribing; most prescriptions authorized for neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain and spasticity. Most respondents agreed that medical school and residency programs provided insufficient education on MC, and that governmental and institutional guidelines remained unclear.

Addressing cannabinoids in medical school and residency is important to improve the therapeutic and counselling aspects of patient care in addressing safety and preventing misuse. With clearer guidelines and more research on MC efficacy, physiatrists will be more knowledgeable and better able to improve patient lives.