Research Poster: Empowering Healthcare Professionals with Data Collection
I’m excited to share the preliminary findings from our research on empowering healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the context of cannabis and hemp data collection through the Budsinfo and Cerium educational platforms. As cannabis and its derivatives become more integrated into treatments for rheumatic diseases, the lack of systematic data collection and evidence remains a significant challenge.
Our objective was to address unmet educational needs regarding HCPs' knowledge, attitudes, and data collection practices related to Cannabis and Cannabis-derived products (CCDPs). We conducted a preliminary survey with HCPs and developed a pilot study that included an educational platform called Cerium. This platform features four educational modules, online articles, a virtual journal club, and discussions on patient-reported outcomes (PROs).
We also integrated Budsinfo, a user tool for real-time data collection and analysis, allowing for the recording of patient experiences with CCDPs. Follow-up surveys and discussions are conducted at virtual monthly meetings to ensure continuous learning and adaptation.
One of the significant challenges we identified is the sheer diversity of cannabis and hemp products. Unlike pharmaceutical products, there are over a million possible variations in cannabis and hemp products, which complicates data collection and analysis. This diversity makes it imperative to have data collection tools and comprehensive educational resources.
The survey revealed several key insights:
90.9% of HCPs are open to using tools to assess patients' cannabis experiences.
57.89% found the use of a self-reported Substances Use Scale App "Not applicable," indicating barriers like lack of access to technology and training.
63.16% found encouraging patients to use an adverse effect reporting tool "Not applicable”, which may be highlighting systemic barriers in patient engagement.
I found it interesting or perhaps unfortunate, that for HCPs the most common sources of information for cannabis were news and social media, while lectures and medical journals are the preferred sources for other new medications. This suggests that many HCPs face institutional and regulatory barriers or lack adequate training and education.
Over 57% reported a lack of confidence in their current knowledge of cannabinoid molecules. This underscores the need for enhanced education and systematic data collection to bridge knowledge gaps and improve patient care.
Our proposed solution involves a comprehensive tool for real-time data collection, combined with a dedicated educational platform. The Budsinfo user platform provides an anonymous, standardized, and user-friendly interface for data entry. Additionally, interactive learning tools like journal clubs, webinars, and workshops are provided to enhance knowledge and confidence.
In conclusion, addressing the gaps in education and data collection for cannabis products is crucial. By implementing tools like Budsinfo and Cerium, we can better support healthcare providers, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.
