Factors influencing Canadian oncology nurses discussing cannabis use with patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced nausea

Abstract

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted to determine factors influencing Canadian oncology nurses discussing cannabis use with patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced nausea (CIN). A survey invitation and three reminders were sent to 678 members of the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO) between February 8 and April 10, 2022. An educator sent an extra invitation to 131 oncology nurses in Eastern Ontario. The survey was based on the Ottawa Model of Research Use. Twenty-seven opened the link to the survey and 25 responded. Of 25 nurses, 11 (47.8%) correctly answered the knowledge question about the effectiveness of cannabis for CIN. The top three barriers to discussing cannabis use were social stigma, nurses’ lack of knowledge, and lack of guidance within the workplace. All participants identified needing continuing education and written guidance about use of cannabis for CIN. Although few oncology nurses responded to the survey, most indicated feeling inadequately prepared to discuss cannabis use with patients experiencing CIN.