2021 AM Posters-Primary Care Provider Attitudes, Beliefs, and Experiences Related

Primary Care Provider Attitudes, Beliefs, and Experiences Related

Pdf Summary

A qualitative study aimed to understand primary care providers' (PCPs) opinions and attitudes towards patient use of cannabidiol (CBD) supplements and the barriers that affect communication on CBD supplement use. The study found that most PCPs had neutral views on CBD supplements when used by patients for self-treatment of medical and psychiatric conditions. PCPs should consider striking a balance between patients' autonomy and concerns for patients' safety. Discussions about alternative and complementary medications, such as CBD, can provide an opportunity to address patients' psychosocial and pragmatic needs. The study identified barriers to CBD supplement-related dialogue, which can inform provider trainings and screening procedures regarding the use of cannabinoid-derived products in patient populations. Given the increasing use of CBD among patients and its potential impacts, strategies to facilitate communication should be considered. These strategies should take into account specialty (adult versus pediatric) and type of practice (general versus pain) to mitigate the risk of adverse health outcomes related to CBD use in patients.<br /><br />The study used a stratified purposeful sampling strategy to select PCPs in a rural Midwest area within the same hospital enterprise. Saturation was reached with 14 participants, most of whom commonly cared for young adults. The interviews were conducted via Zoom audio and transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted using the Dedoose software. The analysis revealed several themes related to PCPs' beliefs, attitudes, and experiences regarding patient-provider communication about CBD use. These included PCPs' neutral views on CBD, barriers to initiating CBD discussions, communication approaches, and safety concerns related to CBD products. Pediatric providers often held negative beliefs and attitudes towards CBD, while adult providers focused more on the lack of efficacy. Common barriers to communication were time constraints and discomfort in questioning CBD supplement use. The lack of dosing guidelines and PCPs' own knowledge gaps on CBD were also noted. The study emphasizes the need for further research and strategies to enhance patient-provider communication about CBD supplement use and ensure patient safety.

Keywords

qualitative study

primary care providers

PCPs

CBD supplements

communication barriers

patient-provider communication

barriers to dialogue

patient safety

alternative medications

pediatric providers

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